FitBit for Healthcare workers BARE BELOW ELBOW

[SunsetRunner]

Hi FitBit community.

Didn't know where to suggest this as I couldn't really find a generic ideas section (while at work).

I'm well overdue a telling off for wearing my surge when almost every NHS policy is to be bare below elbows. Has there ever been any consideration to producing an update that could incorporate shift work where the device cannot be worn? Or perhaps even a new device? Many of my colleagues use FitBit and I believe this could provide a new opportunity for us who cannot wear wrist devices, yet still desire to have all the features or a charge HR or surge.

Thoughts?

Sam - Paramedic

[SteveH]

The tricky bit is the heart rate monitoring. Fitbit sell the One and Zip which are fine for the Bare Below Elbow as they clip onto your clothes but they don't have heart rate tracking. Of course, for many this is not a problem.

I guess a new product could incorporate a chest strap for heart rate but that seems to go against the development history where newer products are seemingly aimed at the casual, style conscious user (nothing stylish about a chest strap!).

[SaraBG]

While we don't have to be bare below the elbow, my Surge doesn't correctly count my steps as I push gurneys, the computer on wheels, or carry items. My iPhone registers 1000s more steps while I'm at work - but that doesn't help my standings in challenges! Just this morning, I came up with a ridiculous hack - it counts my steps as well as my heart rate.... I'm wearing it on my ANKLE and it takes my posterior tibial pulse. Of course, it's nearly impossible to tell the time on it and certainly not at a glance. It's actually less intrusive as I am a smaller woman, and can wear it while sleeping without it feeling like a giant House Arrest Bracelet** - I usually take it off at night. My Surge is a small, so I have put a rubber band through the last hole and then both ends around the prong of the wristband buckle.

It's working surprisingly well, although continues to disappoint as it really doesn't fucntion as well as I'd like. HTH 

** not that I'd KNOW what a House Arrest anklet would feel like, but the weight and BULK of my Surge must surely approximate something that punishes a person. (Harrumph!)

[SunsetRunner]

I too have tried wearing it on my leg but I had the problems of it just not fitting! 😞 I have to wear a set of boots that would prevent it working effectively due to all current device sizes as well.

[SunsetRunner]

I also dislike the idea of a chest strap, not comfortable and for certain aspects of the job would not be feasible.

While the zip and one would help as a basic pedometer, I have concerns about how easily they would be lost when picking up bags, patients and other such things that could drag upwards against clothing.