Abstract
BACKGROUND: The measurement of patient temperature by nursing staff is a common activity. In recent years this area of practice has been largely under-investigated despite the introduction of new technologies into clinical practice, such as infrared tympanic thermometry (IRTT).
STUDY AIM: To investigate current practice in clinical temperature measurement in general, and the use of IRTT in particular by nursing staff.
SAMPLE AND METHODS: 139 nursing staff from a general hospital in the UK were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire.
MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The group most involved in temperature measurement was characterized as nursing auxiliary grades with the fewest years of experience. IRTT was the most frequently-used method for measuring patient temperatures, with high perceived accuracy, reliability, ease of use and acceptability to patients. A poor level of understanding and training in the use of IRTT was revealed across all clinical grades. Recommendations for future investigations are made.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 218-23 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26 Jul 2006 |
Keywords
- Employment
- Health Care Surveys
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Nurses
- Practice Patterns, Physicians'
- Professional Competence
- Spectrophotometry, Infrared
- Thermography
- United Kingdom
- Journal Article