Modelling disease transmission from touchscreen user interfaces

Abstract

The extensive use of touchscreens for all manner of human-computer interactions has made them plausible instruments of touch-mediated disease transmission. To that end, we employ stochastic simulations to model human-fomite interaction with a distinct focus on touchscreen interfaces. The timings and frequency of interactions from within a closed population of infectious and susceptible individuals was modelled using a basic queuing network. A pseudo reproductive number (R) was used to compare outcomes under various parameter conditions. We also expanded the simulation to a specific real-world scenario; namely airport self check-in and baggage drop. Results revealed that the required rate of cleaning/disinfecting of screens to effectively mitigate R can be inordinately high. This suggests that revised or alternative methods should be considered.

A quantitative microbial risk assessment for touchscreen user interfaces using an asymmetric transfer gradient transmission mode

“…In a initial attempt at a QMRA for touch screens [ 40 ], a complex network of TUI interactions was simulated. It suggested that parameters such as pathogen infectivity and survival time as well as the rate of surface decontamination play an important role in determining risk.…”