The tympanic membrane thermometer in paediatrics: a review of the literature.
This literature review looks at published works on the accuracy, reliability and sensitivity of the tympanic membrane thermometer in the paediatric population, particularly in relation to those who present in the Accident and Emergency department. Decisions that influence patient care outcomes are often based on information obtained from taking the child's temperature. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine temperature sites and instruments used. The most recent temperature measuring device to be used by nurses in assessing their patients is the tympanic membrane thermometer. The advantages of tympanic membrane temperature measurement include ease of use, rapid results and convenience for both nurse and child. However, inconsistent study reports have revealed some concerns about the use of the tympanic membrane thermometer as a routine measurement tool of body temperature in children. To meet the goal of accurate assessment of body temperature the practitioner must understand the principles behind the use of the tympanic membrane thermometer and thus use it appropriately.
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D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013821:Thermometers / Q000592:standards*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane