The aim is to develop a wearable-based ICU (intensive care unit) prediction algorithm for inpatients contracted with SARS-CoV-2. Inpatients with suspicion of COVID-19 or with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection will be included. The participants will be equipped with a smartwatch, which gathers physiological data throughout hospitalisation.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic puts an unprecedented burden on the healthcare system, specifically
its healthcare providers and the resource demands for intensive care units (ICUs). To support
effective care despite large case numbers, hospital operations urgently need improved
decision support in early identification of patients at risk of an acute COVID-19
deterioration that requires ICU.
The investigators aim at developing a wearable-based ICU algorithm for inpatients contracted
with SARS-CoV-2. Inpatients on the general ward with suspicion of COVID-19 or with confirmed
SARS-CoV-2 infection will be included. The participant will be equipped with a smartwatch and
wear the device throughout the hospital stay until the patient (1) is discharged home, (2) is
transferred to the ICU, or (3) palliative care is initiated. The smartwatch collects several
physiological parameters (e.g. heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration rate, oxygen
saturation). The collected data will be used to develop an ICU prediction algorithm to detect
patients at risk of an acute COVID-19 deterioration that requires ICU.
Other: Equipment with smartwatch throughout hospital stay on the general ward
Participants with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or suspicion of COVID-19 will be equipped with a smartwatch and wear the device throughout the hospital stay on the general ward.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Informed consent as documented by signature
- Age >= 18 years
- Suspicion of COVID-19 or patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2
- Hospitalisation on the general ward
Exclusion Criteria:
- Smartwatch cannot be attached around the wrist of the patient
- Direct transfer from the emergency department or external institution to ICU (i.e. no
hospitalization on the general ward)
- Known allergies to components of the smartwatch
- Rejection of ICU transfer in the patient decree
Emergency Department, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital
Bern, Switzerland
Aristomenis Extradaktylos, Prof. MD, Study Chair
University Hospital Bern - Department of Emergency Medicine