COVID-19 Study Reveals Challenges in Care Home Infection Prevention and Control

Strategic Insights -

A new study on COVID-19 has highlighted the difficulties in preventing and controlling infections in care homes for older people, particularly in the context of the pandemic. The research, conducted by the University of Leeds, points out that traditional contact tracing methods are not feasible in care homes where approximately 70% of residents have cognitive impairments. To address this challenge, the researchers developed a system called CONtact TrAcing in Care homes using digital Technology (CONTACT), which utilizes Bluetooth-enabled wearable devices for automated contact tracing. However, the study found that the system was not ready to progress to a large randomized study due to implementation issues, trust concerns among staff, and the burden of participation outweighing the usefulness of the feedback provided.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that traditional contact tracing methods are not effective in care homes where residents have cognitive impairments.
  • Approximately 70% of care home residents have cognitive impairments, making traditional contact tracing methods infeasible.
  • The researchers developed a system called CONtact TrAcing in Care homes using digital Technology (CONTACT) to address the challenges in infection prevention and control.
  • CONTACT utilizes Bluetooth-enabled wearable devices for automated contact tracing.
  • Device loss and battery failure were significant issues, with residents losing 11% of devices and staff losing 6.5%.
  • The study found that the system was not ready to progress to a large randomized study due to implementation issues, trust concerns among staff, and the burden of participation outweighing the usefulness of the feedback provided.
  • Researchers recommend collaboration between care homes and researchers to improve the experience of using Bluetooth-enabled wearables, enhance understanding of infection risks, and minimize research burden.
  • The study suggests that Bluetooth-enabled wearables for contact tracing could be helpful but need to be more acceptable and provide more useful information.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 70% of care home residents have cognitive impairments.
  • 105 residents (out of 156 eligible) agreed to wear a device, with 102 (97%) starting the intervention.
  • 225 eligible staff (82.4%) participated in the study, with 178 (n = 82.4%) wearing a device.
  • Residents lost 11% of devices, with half replaced.
  • Staff lost 6.5% of devices.
  • The study collected data on 156 residents and 225 eligible staff in four care homes in North and West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at University of Leeds Publish New Data on COVID-19 (Technology-enabled CONTACT tracing in care homes in the COVID-19 pandemic: the CONTACT non-randomised mixed-methods feasibility study). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. June 1, 2025; p 231.
  • Health Technology Assessment. Technology-enabled CONTACT tracing in care homes in the COVID-19 pandemic: the CONTACT non-randomised mixed-methods feasibility study. 2025. (Health Technology Assessment - https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/).
  • University of Leeds. Researchers develop wearable devices to track COVID-19 transmission in care homes. (Free version available at https://doi.org/10.3310/UHDN6497)