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NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY

NMSU students take part in COVID-monitoring trial

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Selected students returning to New Mexico State University (NMSU) this fall will participate in a trial program designed to monitor them for symptoms of COVID-19.

Electronic Caregiver of Las Cruces (ECG) is partnering with a faculty research team for the project, which will outfit each participating student with the company’s Premier telehealth system, a touchless temperature probe and a pulse oximeter. Premier is programmed to monitor COVID-19 symptoms and features a small electronic device known as the Premier Portable Safety system, which connects directly to ECG’s health-monitoring center and health-care providers.

After completing the daily self-reporting process on Premier, participants will receive a prompt of action based on their responses, giving them clearance to proceed with regular daily activities or alerting them to seek medical attention.
For example, if a participant reports one or fewer symptoms, an oxygen-saturation level of 92 percent or higher, and a normal temperature around 98.6 degrees, the system will inform the individual that they may proceed with either work or school.
But if a participant reports two or more symptoms, an oxygen-saturation level of less than 92 percent, and an abnormal temperature above 98.6 degrees, the system will inform the individual of potential concern and send an alert to the researchers overseeing the project. A student research assistant will then ask the person in question to seek further medical guidance and assessment with their primary care physician or the Aggie Health and Wellness Center.

While the NMSU pilot project is targeted to students, the company said similar monitoring programs can be implemented at “any business, school, facility or event.”

ECG Chief Technology Officer Dr. David Keeley said the program is “a highly cost-effective method for organizations to add additional layers of protection for employees, customers and administration."

“We can repeat this investigation repeatedly with each group that has interest,” Keeley said. “Organizations that wish to participate can call ECG’s main number (833-324-5433) to speak with ECG's business-development team about details.”  

Private individuals can also apply for monitoring services, Keeley said.

“We have other available solutions at a variety of price points that should allow individuals and organizations of any and all sizes to select the most effective solution while staying within their desired price point range," he said.

He said activation fees are being waived for the time being, and the monitoring system normally costs $49.99 a month with a six-month minimum agreement. For an extra $10 a month, the Pocket MD is included. Thermometers can be purchased for $125 each, although users can opt to use their own thermometers. And for a one-time fee of $55, clients can purchase a pulse-oxygen sensor that ties into the monitoring system. All clients receive daily reminders and a daily survey.

New Mexico State University, COVID-19

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