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The case of the cold thermometers
Belinda Ostrowsky1, Janis Ober, Richard Wenzel
1Westchester County Department of Health, New Rochelle, New York 10801, USA.
American Journal of Infection Control
|January 28, 2003
Summary
New temporal artery thermometers initially provided inaccurate subnormal temperature readings. Post-education and removal, temperature measurements significantly improved, highlighting the need for performance monitoring of medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Medical Device Performance
- Clinical Thermometry
- Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Background:
- A new temporal artery thermometer was implemented in a hospital setting.
- Staff observed consistently subnormal patient temperature readings immediately after introduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of temporal artery thermometer readings.
- To assess the impact of staff education and device removal on temperature measurement accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Three serial temperature evaluations were conducted: initial use, post-staff education, and after device removal.
- Patient temperature data was collected and analyzed across these time points.
Main Results:
- Initially, 89% of temporal artery thermometer readings were below 98.6°F.
- Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in readings ≥100.0°F and a decrease in readings <98.6°F after interventions (P <.001).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the critical importance of performance data for monitoring new medical products.
- Effective quality monitoring is essential to ensure accurate patient temperature measurements.