Mesh technology designed by Wyld Networks to deliver services in areas where people congregate has been repurposed to aid the fight against Covid-19 in Scottish care homes.
The technology provides digital access and anonymised social distance monitoring and alerting through a mobile app and a mesh wireless network of connected smartphones and IoT devices.
The system creates virtual geozones around the care home and particularly sensitive or quarantined areas to control access, as well as dynamic personal two-metre geozones around everyone with the app.
All staff and visitors will have to download the mobile application and input Covid-19 test results, and enter any symptoms into a self-diagnostic algorithm embedded in the application to create a risk profile.
Residents without a smartphone could be given electronic wristbands or similar.
Anyone approaching a geozone will be sent a message instantly to let them know if they are allowed to enter.
Wyld Networks is working with NHS Highland and Highland Health Ventures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The technology may also have broader applications in helping other businesses get back to work.
Statistics from the National Records of Scotland show that more than half of the recorded coronavirus deaths in Scotland were in care homes.
“Supporting innovation across the healthcare system is more important than ever and will be central to securing transformation and improved care,” said Frances Hines, Research, Development and Innovation Manager in NHS Highland.
“Creating the conditions for more collaborative approaches to innovation and enabling the adoption of new technologies will be key.”
Wyld Network’s CEO, Alastair Williamson (pictured) added: "By using Wyld’s real-time data analytics platform, care home managers will be able to contact and advise anyone who has been in close contact with someone who is tested positive with Covid-19 or develops symptoms.
“Our mesh technology was originally designed for applications such as major sporting events, music festivals, retail centres and transport hubs to deliver relevant, location-aware information.
"But it quickly became clear that it could play a vital role in protecting residents, staff and visitors in care homes, hospitals and hospices.”