Axillary temperature measurements based on smart wearable thermometers in South Korean children: comparison with tympanic temperature measurements
10.4094/chnr.2022.28.1.62
- Author:
Younglee CHOI
1
;
Hye Young AHN
Author Information
1. Lecturer, College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Child Health Nursing Research
2022;28(1):62-69
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study explored the validity of a new type of thermometer and parent satisfaction with the new device. This 24-hour continuous monitoring smart wearable wireless thermometer (TempTraq®) uses a very small semiconductor sensor with a thin patch-like shape.
Methods:We obtained 397 sets of TempTraq® axillary temperatures and tympanic temperatures from 44 pediatric patients. Agreement between the axillary and tympanic measurements, as well as the validity of the TempTraq® axillary temperatures, were evaluated. Satisfaction surveys were completed by 41 caregivers after the measurements.
Results:The TempTraq® axillary temperatures demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the tympanic temperatures. The Bland-Altman plot and analysis of TempTraq® axillary temperatures and tympanic temperatures showed that the mean difference was +0.45 ℃, the 95% limits of agreement were -0.57 to +1.46 ℃. Based on a tympanic temperature of 38 ℃, the results of validity of fever detection were sensitivity 0.85 and specificity 0.86. Satisfaction scores for TempTraq® temperature measurement were all > 4 points (satisfactory).
Conclusion:TempTraq® smart axillary temperature measurement is an appropriate method for measuring children's temperatures since it was highly correlated to tympanic temperatures, had a reliable level of sensitivity and specificity, and could be used safely and conveniently.
