Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
09:16
Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
17.7K
Measuring hot flash phenomenonology using ambulatory prospective digital diaries
William I Fisher1, Rebecca C Thurston
11Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA.
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|July 13, 2016
Summary
A new digital diary precisely tracks hot flashes in midlife women, revealing most are mild and often accompanied by a premonitory aura. This tool offers better insights than traditional methods for studying hot flash experiences.
Area of Science:
- Menopause Research
- Digital Health Technologies
- Women's Health
Background:
- Hot flashes are a common symptom during menopause, significantly impacting women's quality of life.
- Traditional methods for tracking hot flashes, such as paper diaries and retrospective questionnaires, have limitations in accuracy and detail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel prospective ambulatory digital hot flash phenomenon diary.
- To precisely quantify hot flashes and explore their characteristics and associations in real-time.
Main Methods:
- 152 midlife women experiencing daily hot flashes participated.
- Participants used an ambulatory electronic hot flash diary for three consecutive days.
- Hot flashes and their characteristics (severity, bother, location, associations) were recorded as they occurred.
Main Results:
- The majority of hot flashes were mild (41.3%) or moderate (43.7%).
- Hot flashes commonly occurred on the face (78.9%), neck (74.7%), and chest (61.3%).
- A novel finding was that 38% of hot flashes were accompanied by a premonitory aura; 32% occurred with prickly skin, 7% with anxiety, and 5% with nausea.
Conclusions:
- A prospective electronic digital hot flash diary offers precise quantification and overcomes limitations of traditional methods.
- The digital diary provided unique insights into hot flash phenomenology, location, and associated characteristics.
- This digital tool is recommended for future ambulatory studies on the hot flash experience.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
1.5K
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
1.5K
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
14.1K
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
14.1K
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
1.9K
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
1.9K
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
1.6K
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
1.6K
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
3.9K
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
3.9K