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Accuracy of tympanic versus digital infra-red thermometers for measuring core body temperature in critical care department-a quality improvement project during covid-19 redeployment at a district general hospital in Surrey, England
British Journal of Surgery ; 109(SUPPL 1):i63, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1769163
ABSTRACT

Aim:

Accurate determination of core body temperature in critically ill patients is required for initiating diagnosis and management. (1) Ideally, temperature measurement should be non-invasive, hygienic, convenient, and affordable. Infrared thermometers are convenient and noninvasive but sensitive to environmental factors. Alternatively, tympanic thermometers are cost effective but invasive. Various observational studies have concluded that tympanic thermometers have high specificity/ sensitivity compared to infrared thermometers (2,3). We aimed to demonstrate accuracy of tympanic over infrared thermometers.

Method:

In this observational prospective study, eighty patients (forty each) admitted in intensive care from February 2021 - July 2021 were included. Temperature measurements with were conducted - measuring differences between digital and tympanic thermometers. A Plan Do Study Act cycle was used to facilitate change. Excel and SPSS software were used for data analysis.

Results:

Our study concluded a statistically significant (p,0.01) difference in readings with mean difference of 1.18°C (highest -6°C, lowest- 0.5°C). Pyrexia was undetected in 4 of 40 patients with digital thermometers. Additionally, two patients undergoing hypothermia correction were not adequately measured. Therefore, infrared thermometers were significantly less sensitive and were replaced with tympanic thermometers. A second cycle conducted again demonstrated significant (p<0.01) difference with mean difference of 1.92°C. (highest -6.5°C, lowest -1°C).

Conclusions:

Tympanic thermometers have higher accuracy and precision over digital thermometers. We managed to establish change during our audit with concluding evidence showing infrared thermometers procure false observations affecting patient care, hence, unsafe. In conclusion, tympanic thermometers should be encouraged in critical care settings for vigilant care.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: British Journal of Surgery Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: British Journal of Surgery Year: 2022 Document Type: Article