Improving the Accuracy of Temporal Artery Thermometry in Pediatric Direct Care Providers: A Performance Improvement Project

Purpose: The purpose of the project was to improve the accuracy of temporal artery thermometry (TAT) measurements compared to axillary, rectal, and oral thermometry readings on a Pulmonary Pediatric Care Unit. Design and Methods: A pre-educational and post-educational competency tests and skill performance test of obtaining accurate TAT results with an Exergen 5000 Temporal Scanner were implemented after the pediatric nursing staff participated in a 60-minute educational program. Of the 32 participants, most were RNs (84%) followed by certified nursing assistants (9%) and LPNs. Most participants worked the 12-hour day shift 7a-7p (59%), followed by the 7a-3p shift (38%) and one participant who worked the night shift 11p-7a (3%). Results: The mean score for the pre-test was 3.5 out of 6, and the post-test score was 5.4 out of 6. A two-tailed paired sample t-test indicated that the mean pre-test score (3.5) is significantly different from the mean post-test score (5.4). Further, a one-tailed test showed that the mean post-test score was significantly higher than the mean pre-test score (t=6.9; p\u3c0.001). All project participants scored 100% on the skills demonstration tests after receiving the educational intervention; there was no pre-test for the skills demonstration test. Conclusion: TAT measurements are more precise and accurate when obtained using the appropriate technique. A comparison between competency test performance before and after the TAT educational program suggests that the intervention can help improve the accuracy of TAT measurements performance among pediatric nursing staff. Implications for Nursing: TAT measurements are more precise and accurate when obtained using the appropriate technique