Can training improve the results with infrared tympanic thermometers?
BACKGROUND
Infrared tympanic thermometry (ITT) is a method for body temperature measurement. Correct measuring technique is said to be important to achieve good results with this method. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy and effect of training in the use of infrared tympanic thermometry (ITT) on the measurement results.


METHODS
Nurses trained in the use of ITT, and nurses not trained performed measurement sequences on 65 patients: one rectal and two ITT measurements in each sequence.


RESULTS
Mean rectal temperatures were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than with ITT (0.44 +/- 0.42 (SD) degree C for trained, 0.56 +/- 0.4 (SD) degree C for untrained). Coefficient of repeatability for ITT measurements was +/- 0.54 degree C for trained nurses, and +/- 0.48 degree C for untrained. With ITT temperatures adjusted upwards of 0.5 degree C, the sensitivity of ITT for detecting fever as defined by rectal measurements would be 70% for trained, and 54% for untrained nurses. Repeatability and sensitivity for trained and untrained nurses were not significantly (P > 0.05) different.


CONCLUSIONS
Training had little effect on the accuracy of the measurements. According to our results, ITT is often unreliable and should be used with caution.
Petersen
M H
MH
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Tromsoe, Norway.
Hauge
H N
HN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D012007:Rectum / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013821:Thermometers; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000502:physiology