Electronic monitoring of doffing using video surveillance to minimise error rate and increase safety at Howard Springs International Quarantine Facility

BACKGROUND: Safe donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) are critical to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Novel strategies to improve infection prevention and control (IPC) adherence can optimise safety. We describe and quantify video surveillance of doffing at an outdoor hotel quarantine facility led by the Australian Medical Assistance Team in the Northern Territory, Australia. METHODS: Motion-activated video cameras were installed in seven areas where personnel doffed PPE upon exit from an area dedicated to quarantined residents. Video footage was reviewed daily and compliance issues were identified using a standardised checklist and risk graded to initiate feedback. We collated audit data from 1 February to 18 April 2021 to describe trends by month, staff group, doffing component and risk. RESULTS: In 235 h of video footage, 364 compliance issues were identified, of which none were considered high-risk compromising to PPE integrity. Compliance issues were low risk (55/364, 15%) or moderate risk (309/364, 85%) and the most common issue was missed or inadequate hand hygiene (156/364, 43%). Compliance issues per minute of video footage reviewed decreased following introduction of the activity, from 24 per 1000 in February to 7 per 1000 in March and April. CONCLUSION: Video surveillance with feedback supported rapid response to improve IPC adherence in a challenging ambient environment. The activity focused on perfection to identify compliance issues that would go unreported in most healthcare settings and contributed to a suit of activities that prevented any high-risk PPE breaches or compromises to safety. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01155-2.