Retrospective analysis of a quality measurement project examining the quality of vital parameter measurement in consecutive patients \>= 75 years presenting to the emergency department. Primary goal of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of body temperature measurement using different methods to diagnose infection in patients \>= 75 years presenting to the emergency department. The secondary goal is to compare the reliability of tympanal and temporal artery thermometry with rectal temperature measurement.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
427
Temperature measurement was done once in all patients included within the first hour of patients´presentation to the emergency department. Tympanal measurement was carried out by the use of infrared ear thermometry, temporal artery thermometry was done using infrared technology as well.
Klinikum Nürnberg, emergency department
Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
Diagnostic accuracy of rectal, tympanal and temporal artery thermometry to diagnose infection
The primary outcome measure is the diagnostic accuracy of rectal, tympanal and temporal artery thermometry to diagnose infection in old patients presenting to the ED
Time frame: June 2012
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.