English report from an independent institute noting a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of contact tracing apps and calling for sign off by GATE - Group of Advisors on Emergency Technologies. The very pertinent point is made that we need to guard against premature deployment of ineffective apps which could undermine public trust and confidence in the long-term, hampering the widespread uptake of tracking technologies which may be critical to their eventual success. If public trust and confidence is lost, so too is the battle against CV19 and possibly future pandemics.
Agree - out of interest are there guidelines for innovating when there is little evidence?
This seems almost by definition to require delivery in an emerging space. I completely agree about the risks of losing trust or screwing it up, but am less sure it would be possible for there to be much of an evidence base.
I suppose it just comes down to careful judgement as initiatives are planned/reviewed
opengraphobject:[360546081644544 : https://www.digitalhealth.net/2020/04/absence-of-evidence-for-covid-19-contact-tracing-apps-review-finds/ : title=“‘Absence of evidence’ for Covid-19 contact-tracing apps, review finds” : description=“Given the lack of evidence, the review warned making use of Covid-19 tracing apps mandatory would “likely fall foul of the human rights standards”.”]
For emerging technology like digital contact tracing I think the following article sets out some good questions which would help guide innovation in a way which would help to maintain/build trust.:
opengraphobject:[360546081644544 : https://www.digitalhealth.net/2020/04/absence-of-evidence-for-covid-19-contact-tracing-apps-review-finds/ : title=“‘Absence of evidence’ for Covid-19 contact-tracing apps, review finds” : description=“Given the lack of evidence, the review warned making use of Covid-19 tracing apps mandatory would “likely fall foul of the human rights standards”.”], opengraphobject:[360547034243072 : http://www.bioethics.net/2020/04/the-value-and-ethics-of-using-technology-to-contain-the-covid-19-epidemic/ : title=“The Value and Ethics of Using Technology to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic | Bioethics.net” : description=“Introduction
As the world grapples with COVID-19, experts are calling for better identification and isolation of new cases. In this paper, we argue that these tasks can be scaled up with the use of technology. Digital contact tracing can accelerate identifying newly diagnosed patients, instantly informing past contacts about their risk of infection, and supporting social distancing efforts. Geolocation data can be used to enforce quarantine measures. Social media data can be used to predict outbreak clusters and trace the spread of misinformation online. These technology tools have played a role in turning the tide of the epidemic and easing lockdown measures in China, South Korea, and Singapore. There is a growing interest in the US in digital contact-tracing tools that may help rein in contagion and relax lockdown measures. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which technology can support non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 epidemic and outlines the ethical challenges associated with these approaches.”]
thanks - I’m glad I asked, will read with interest
opengraphobject:[360546081644544 : https://www.digitalhealth.net/2020/04/absence-of-evidence-for-covid-19-contact-tracing-apps-review-finds/ : title=“‘Absence of evidence’ for Covid-19 contact-tracing apps, review finds” : description=“Given the lack of evidence, the review warned making use of Covid-19 tracing apps mandatory would “likely fall foul of the human rights standards”.”], opengraphobject:[360547034243072 : http://www.bioethics.net/2020/04/the-value-and-ethics-of-using-technology-to-contain-the-covid-19-epidemic/ : title=“The Value and Ethics of Using Technology to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic | Bioethics.net” : description=“Introduction
As the world grapples with COVID-19, experts are calling for better identification and isolation of new cases. In this paper, we argue that these tasks can be scaled up with the use of technology. Digital contact tracing can accelerate identifying newly diagnosed patients, instantly informing past contacts about their risk of infection, and supporting social distancing efforts. Geolocation data can be used to enforce quarantine measures. Social media data can be used to predict outbreak clusters and trace the spread of misinformation online. These technology tools have played a role in turning the tide of the epidemic and easing lockdown measures in China, South Korea, and Singapore. There is a growing interest in the US in digital contact-tracing tools that may help rein in contagion and relax lockdown measures. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which technology can support non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 epidemic and outlines the ethical challenges associated with these approaches.”]