Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025
A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Trialling the Distress Thermometer tool on non-oncology general medical and surgical inpatients
Rebecca M Jedwab1, Jessica G Baker2, Janette Gogler1
1Nursing and Midwifery Informatics, EMR & Informatics Program, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
Background:
Risk assessment tools are intended to support nurses' decision-making in the continuous Nursing Process of comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation for each patient in their care. While patient distress is common during periods of ill-health, tools to formally assess distress are not routinely used by nurses.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of the distress thermometer by nurses for general medical and surgical inpatients.
Methods:
An audit of 2370 electronic medical records was used to extract data on risk assessment completion for adult patients admitted across three wards from December 2020 to March 2021. An online survey using the System Usability Scale and free-text comments collected data on nurses' perceptions of the Distress Thermometer.
Results:
Only 33% of patients had the Distress Thermometer tool completed by nurses during patient risk assessment on their admission to the hospital ward (393/2370). Only 12.86% of nurses reported scores indicating acceptable usability of the Distress Thermometer in electronic medical records (greater than 68). Distress Thermometer completion was significant between wards (chi-square analysis X2 (2, N = 2,370) = 84.902, p = <.001). Factors contributing to low usability included unnecessary addition to their workload and tool perceived as not useful to care planning.
Discussion:
Nurses reported the Distress Thermometer was an unnecessary addition to their workload and not perceived to add any value to patient assessment in general medical and surgical inpatients.
Conclusion:
Nursing risk assessments in electronic medical records carry a high workload burden. The perceived usability, usefulness and suitability for specific patient groups are important considerations for uptake and implementation of any additional tools.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
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...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - 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...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
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...