Figure 2 - uploaded by Tyler M Yasaka
Content may be subject to copyright.
User flow diagrams for the three primary user flows in the peer-to-peer contact tracing app: creating checkpoints, checking risk, and reporting positive status. QR: Quick Response.
Source publication
Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an urgent public health crisis, with epidemiologic models predicting severe consequences, including high death rates, if the virus is permitted to run its course without any intervention or response. Contact tracing using smartphone technology is a powerful tool that may be emplo...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... the current app prototype, there are three primary user flows: creating contact points (termed "checkpoints" in the user interface), checking risk level, and reporting positive status. A diagram of these user flows is provided in Figure 2. To create a checkpoint, a user may either host a new checkpoint or join an existing one. ...
Similar publications
Current outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 are threatening the health care systems of several countries around the world. The control of SARS-CoV-2 epidemics currently relies on non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing, teleworking, mouth masks and contact tracing. However, as pre-symptomatic transmission remains an important driver of the...
COVID-19 has shown a relatively low mortality rate in young healthy individuals, with the majority of this group being asymptomatic or having mild symptoms, while the severity of the disease among individuals with underlying health conditions has caused signiffcant mortality rates worldwide. Understanding these differences in mortality amongst diff...
A bstract
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as social distancing and contact tracing, are important public health measures that can reduce pathogen transmission. In addition to playing a crucial role in suppressing transmission, NPIs influence pathogen evolution by mediating mutation supply, restricting the availability of susceptible h...
The reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission from contact tracing applications (apps) depends both on the number of contacts notified and on the probability that those contacts quarantine after notification.Referring to the number of days preceding a positive test that contacts are notified as an app's notification window, we use an epidemiological mod...
Background
Contact tracing is conducted with the primary purpose of interrupting transmission from individuals who are likely to be infectious to others. Secondary analyses of data on the numbers of close contacts of confirmed cases could also: provide an early signal of increases in contact patterns that might precede larger than expected case num...
Citations
... Consequently, the AMAN app only stores data on users' phones and does not request any personal information or data that could lead to their identification or to breach their privacy. However, using CTAs raises significant concerns regarding privacy (Al-Okaily, 2024a, b; Yasaka et al., 2020). In this regard, earlier studies of acceptance showed a positive influence between BI to use new technology and privacy. ...
Purpose
Digital health or digital healthcare, is a broad, multidisciplinary concept that includes concepts from an intersection between technology and healthcare. Digital health applies digital transformation to the healthcare field, incorporating software, hardware and services. The usefulness of digital health technologies such as digital contact tracing apps (CTAs) depends deeply on the acceptance to use them. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study is to explore the usage of CTAs by integrating the protection motivation theory (PMT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) in the Jordanian context.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to test empirically the integrated research model against data collected from 420 respondents, leading to the identification of the important determinants for the usage of CTAs.
Findings
The results reveal that perceived severity and perceived vulnerability have a significant positive impact on the perceived need for CTAs, which, in turn, affects the individuals’ intention to use CTAs. It also reveals that perceived trust in government, perceived privacy and perceived usefulness have a significant positive impact on individuals’ intention to use CTAs, which, in turn, affects the usage of CTAs. In contrast, perceived ease of use did not find any significant relationship, and hence hypothesis H7 was not supported. Lastly, social media awareness has a significant positive impact on perceived usefulness and ease of use.
Originality/value
This study is considered among the first studies in the Jordanian context that integrate the PMT and TAM to gain a better understanding of the critical determinants for the acceptance and usage of CTAs in the context of pandemics.
... However, these technologies also face challenges such as susceptibility to various tracing errors, high economic costs, restrictions on personal freedom, and potential negative impacts on mental health and well-being 43 . (2) Venue quick response (QR) code scanning 44,45 . People are required to scan a venue QR code before entering key venues such as supermarkets, stations, schools, hotels, hospitals, and crowded places. ...
... This more cost-effective and sensitive sampling strategy can facilitate the broader implementation of large-scale NAT in more countries and regions during outbreaks of highly contagious diseases with long incubation periods, providing a useful approach for future epidemic control. If the WHTS strategy can be further integrated with optimized pooled testing [8][9][10][11] , strategic site deployment 14 , and contact tracing [39][40][41][42][43][44][45] , it is expected to more effectively curb the spread of the epidemic while reducing prevention and control costs. Springer Nature journal content, brought to you courtesy of Springer Nature Customer Service Center GmbH ("Springer Nature"). ...
Large-scale regular nucleic acid testing (NAT) such as Regular-1/7, played a crucial role in the successful and sustained containment of COVID-19 in China, enabling rapid case detection in low-risk areas. However, Regular-1/7 strategies are extremely costly and time-consuming. To address these challenges and facilitate the broader implementation of large-scale NAT during outbreaks of highly contagious diseases with long incubation periods, we propose a novel sampling strategy called Weighted Hub and Time Sampling (WHTS). This strategy considers the intensity of social activity, the degree of social overlap, and the time interval since the last NAT for each individual. Based on a scale-free contact network model, we simulated the spread of scenario in a community and compared the performance of the WHTS strategy to the Regular-1/7 strategy in terms of cost reduction and shorter alert time. The results show that WHTS-1/14 strategy can save half of the cost, and WHTS-1/7 strategy can alert 1.0 days in advance, compared to Regular-1/7 strategy. Additionally, The WHTS-1/14 strategy also achieves promising results under various scenarios, even though it samples half as many people as the Regular-1/7 strategy. Our study offers a valuable reference for large-scale testing in future efforts to manage emerging infectious diseases.
... where n is the sample size, z is the selected critical value of desired confidence level for a two-tailed test and it is equal to 1.96, p is the estimated prevalence set at 2% [24] and d is the desired level of precision given by 5%. The required minimum sample size for this study was initially estimated to 50 participants, who have not been previously tested for SARS-COV-2 with the assumption that participants would be readily available for SARS-COV-2 testing. ...
In this study, a novel contact tracing model that leverages smartphone technology to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and extend the duration of contact tracing efforts is developed. This model utilizes smartphones as identification systems, collecting data on the proximity of other smartphone users through integrated Bluetooth and GPS technology. The study examines the frequency, duration, and proximity of interactions between smartphone devices in a clinical setting, highlighting potential implications for infectious disease transmission to pilot the mobile application developed. Contact data from six pairs of devices were analyzed, focusing on metrics such as total contacts, total contact time, average contact time, average distance, and the percentage of contacts occurring within 1.5 meters. The results showed varying levels of interaction across device pairs, with Devices 1 & 3 showing the highest number of contacts (175), and Devices 3 & 4 displaying the longest average contact time (20,133,193.01 seconds). Correlation analysis revealed weak and statistically insignificant relationships between total contacts and average distance (r = 0.13, p = 0.81), contact time and the percentage of close contacts (r = -0.15, p = 0.78). These findings suggest that while there are observable trends in contact patterns, the statistical insignificance highlights the need for further investigation to establish stronger associations that could inform infection control practices in healthcare settings.
... When used with the checkpoints information, this application creates transmission graphs that estimate the infection risk. (16) Secure contact tracing might be a powerful tool to decrease the rate of COVID-19 transmission. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health developed a centralized system as part of an international consortium (EPFL and ETH Zurich) such as DP-3T (Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing). ...
... The movements of infected passengers can be analyzed to identify the passengers that came in contact with them [14]. Then, through the adoption of tests and quarantine, it will be easier to contain the infection growth onboard [15,16]. Finally, localisation can be useful also for commercial purposes, such as allowing big data analysis, providing push notifications related to the passenger position and providing guidance onboard to reach desired destinations. ...
The evacuation of a modern passenger ship is a challenging task which might be hindered by a complex ship’s internal layout and/or the blocking of escape routes due to fire/flooding. In this work, the application of mobile technology to reduce travel time is investigated. A pilot system has been developed and tested on the RoPax ship GNV Bridge. It is composed of a server and a mobile application running on wearable smartbands. The guidance and localisation of devices have been carried out through Bluetooth beacons. A test area has been identified on GNV Bridge including 2 cabins corridors on deck 6 and the main lounge on deck 5. The corridors and the lounge are connected by three staircases, defining three alternative escape routes starting from cabins and arriving at the muster station in the main lounge. In the trials, the escape routes have been randomly blocked to assess the reduction of travel time achieved providing guidance through wearable devices to a sample population. It resulted in a 16.9% reduction in travel time. Besides, a strategy to simulate with a certified tool the effect of a guiding system has been defined. This is essential to make trials’ results transferable in different environments (e.g., other RoPax or cruise ships). In particular, experimental data coming from the trials have been used to assess agents’ speed reduction rate due to mobile device consultation. Although available experimental data were limited by the pandemic, the 2.5% agent’s speed reduction applicable to simulations has been assessed as most probable.
... The use of geolocalization technologies, such as GPS, improves the estimation of the user's real-time location but might present privacy issues. 27 To achieve better outbreak control, DCT should be combined with other measures, such as social distancing, mask wearing or COVID-19 testing and traditional contact tracing. The availability of fast testing and timely coordination of test results with contact tracing are important for the effectiveness of the interventions. ...
... The analytic methods supporting the model were not described in one study. 27 Values, ranges, references and probability distributions for all parameters were not reported in three of the articles and the sources of uncertainty were also lacking (4/24). The funding source was the least reported item (11/24), the role of the funding body was also missing in 6/24 articles. ...
... 20,24-26 However, even with a lower uptake rate, DCT still reduces the epidemic size compared to no adoption of the apps. 27 It should be noted that two indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of DCT (i.e. the number of close contacts of COVID-19 cases/ close contacts per index case; laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases detected from close contacts) may be affected by risk mitigation measures (e.g. quarantine, social distancing, testing, vaccination), which were adopted according to the changing epidemic situation and may have in part affected the results of the included studies. ...
Background
Contact tracing is a public health intervention implemented in synergy with other preventive measures to curb epidemics, like the coronavirus pandemic. The development and use of digital devices have increased worldwide to enhance the contact tracing process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of tracking coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using digital solutions.
Methods
Observational studies on digital contact tracing (DCT), published 2020–21, in English were identified through a systematic literature review performed on nine online databases. An ad hoc form was used for data extraction of relevant information. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed with validated tools. A qualitative synthesis of the findings is reported.
Results
Over 8000 records were identified and 37 were included in the study: 24 modelling and 13 population-based studies. DCT improved the identification of close contacts of COVID-19 cases and reduced the effective reproduction number of COVID-19-related infections and deaths by over 60%. It impacted positively on societal and economic costs, in terms of lockdowns and use of resources, including staffing. Privacy and security issues were reported in 27 studies.
Conclusions
DCT contributed to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the high uptake rate of the devices and in combination with other public health measures, especially conventional contact tracing. The main barriers to the implementation of the devices are uptake rate, security and privacy issues. Public health digitalization and contact tracing are the keys to countries’ emergency preparedness for future health crises.
... No such study has been conducted in Malaysia. Previous research has focused on contact tracing, symptom tracking [19][20]- [22], and the correlation between app usage and viral epidemiological spread [23]. Existing work often emphasizes discrepancies between applications in different countries [24], or delves into legal and ethical aspects such as data protection [24], [25], [26]. ...
With the outbreak of COVID-19, digital contact tracing (DCT) applications have been implemented to track the transmission of the highly contagious disease. However, there has been significant resistance to using these apps due to individuals' concerns about disclosing personal information. This study aimed to examine individuals' intentions to reveal their details on DCT applications. A conceptual framework was developed incorporating theories of dual calculus, Hofstede's cultural theory, information boundary theory, and individual factors. A quantitative approach was employed, using a random sampling methodology to gather data from 533 respondents. The proposed framework was validated through partial least squares path modeling. The findings revealed that COVID-19-related stress, lack of transparency, and uncertainty avoidance negatively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. Conversely, collectivism, expected community-related outcomes of sharing information, expected personal outcomes of sharing information, and information privacy concerns positively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. This research provides insights into the factors that influence the widespread acceptance of DCT applications and can assist related authorities in ensuring their successful implementation.
... Security issues pertaining to user privacy are brought up by the practice of gathering data from mobile devices from individuals on a broad scale. A peer-to-peer contact tracing normalization has been created to address this issue, employing Ysak's encryption of user identification to protect user privacy in the event of a pandemic [43]. ...
End of 2019 had seen global spread of the deadly coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, which kills people, puts a large portion of the world in danger, and poses a serious threat to all of the world's nations. Leading medical professionals are working extremely hard to identify the virus, develop treatments for it, and create the vaccines that are required to stop and limit its spread. This study intends to develop a low-cost electronic health system to observe patients with covid infections and lessen the work required of clinicians. An enhanced approach for remote health monitoring in hospitals or detention facilities is offered by the internet of things (IoT). The IoT keeps and displays the patient's medical data via a web browser or through specialized apps that offer remote treatment once the sensors collect it. When a patient is in danger, the system offers immediate action to send alarms by email and SMS and to rapidly provide drugs to the patient. Doctors will be updated on each patient's condition thanks to this message.
... No such study has been conducted in Malaysia. Previous research has focused on contact tracing, symptom tracking [19][20]- [22], and the correlation between app usage and viral epidemiological spread [23]. Existing work often emphasizes discrepancies between applications in different countries [24], or delves into legal and ethical aspects such as data protection [24], [25], [26]. ...
With the outbreak of COVID-19, digital contact tracing (DCT) applications have been implemented to track the transmission of the highly contagious disease. However, there has been significant resistance to using these apps due to individuals' concerns about disclosing personal information. This study aimed to examine individuals' intentions to reveal their details on DCT applications. A conceptual framework was developed incorporating theories of dual calculus, Hofstede's cultural theory, information boundary theory, and individual factors. A quantitative approach was employed, using a random sampling methodology to gather data from 533 respondents. The proposed framework was validated through partial least squares path modeling. The findings revealed that COVID-19-related stress, lack of transparency, and uncertainty avoidance negatively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. Conversely, collectivism, expected community-related outcomes of sharing information, expected personal outcomes of sharing information, and information privacy concerns positively predicted intentions to disclose personal information. This research provides insights into the factors that influence the widespread acceptance of DCT applications and can assist related authorities in ensuring their successful implementation.
... During the outbreak of the Covid-19 disease, the mHealth applications (mHealth-app) to improve the health of patients have been shown in several studies [27][28][29][30]. A study in China used a mHealth-app to monitor infected people [31]. ...
... The system included reports, diagnostic tests, medical records, and social media. In another study, researchers used mHealth-app to effectively reduce the transmission of the Covid-19 disease among people [29]. Also, some mHealth-app that use Bluetooth and Global Positioning System (GPS) features can be useful in Covid-19 contact tracing [32]. ...
Background
With the spread of Covid-19 disease, health interventions related to the control, prevention, and treatment of this disease and other diseases were given real attention. The purpose of this systematic review is to express facilitators and barriers of using mobile health (mHealth) interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods
In this systematic review, original studies were searched using keywords in the electronic database of PubMed until August 2022. The objectives and outcomes of these studies were extracted. Finally, to identify the facilitators and barriers of mHealth interventions, a qualitative content analysis was conducted based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method with Atlas.ti 8 software. We evaluated the studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
Results
In total, 1598 articles were identified and 55 articles were included in this study. Most of the studies used mobile applications to provide and receive health services during the Covid-19 pandemic (96.4%). The purpose of the applications was to help prevention (17), follow-up (15), treatment (12), and diagnosis (8). Using SWOT analysis, 13 facilitators and 18 barriers to patients’ use of mHealth services were identified.
Conclusion
Mobile applications are very flexible technologies that can be customized for each person, patient, and population. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the applications designed due to lack of interaction, lack of time, lack of attention to privacy, and non-academic nature have not met their expectations of them.
