BACKGROUND: A temporal artery thermometer was introduced at our hospital. Immediately staff noted subnormal temperature readings. METHODS: Three serial evaluations of patient temperatures were done: August 2000 (initial), September 2000 (posteducation), and December 2000 (after removal of temporal artery thermometer). RESULTS: In the initial review, 89% of the readings were < 98.6 degrees F. Comparison of the readings from the last and first surveys showed a statistical increase in the proportion of readings > or =100.0 degrees F and decrease of readings <98.6 degrees F (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience underscores the importance of performance data for quality monitoring of new products.
BACKGROUND: A temporal artery thermometer was introduced at our hospital. Immediately staff noted subnormal temperature readings. METHODS: Three serial evaluations of patient temperatures were done: August 2000 (initial), September 2000 (posteducation), and December 2000 (after removal of temporal artery thermometer). RESULTS: In the initial review, 89% of the readings were < 98.6 degrees F. Comparison of the readings from the last and first surveys showed a statistical increase in the proportion of readings > or =100.0 degrees F and decrease of readings <98.6 degrees F (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience underscores the importance of performance data for quality monitoring of new products.
Authors: Daniel Kwok-keung Ng; Chung-hong Chan; Eric Yat-tung Chan; Ka-li Kwok; Pok-yu Chow; Wing-Fai Lau; Jackson Che-Shun Ho Journal: Am J Infect Control Date: 2005-05 Impact factor: 2.918