TRITEMP™ Non-contact Thermometer Case Study

TRITEMP™ CASE STUDY

LOCATION

Kleinriehenstrasse, Basel, Switzerland

KEY CHALLENGES

• Unreliable temperature readings from the tympanic device.
• Patient Comfort.
• Ease of useSOLUTIONDue to accuracy and non-contact technology optimising patient care and reducing plastic consumables within the ICU, TRITEMPTM was introduced to the ward.

BENEFITS

• Nurse’s time
• Ease of use
• Patient comfort
• Cost savings

INTRODUCTION

St. Claraspital in Basel, Switzerland is improving accuracy and patient comfort through non-contact thermometers.

HOSPITAL NEEDS

The adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the St. Claraspital in Basel has eight intensive care beds (with ventilators) and four intermediate care beds.

There are 36 full-time positions with approx. 50 employees in total, including nursing assistants, nursing specialists, Intensive Medical Care (IMC) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Ward Managers and Doctors.

THE CHALLENGE

Previously, St. Claraspital were using eight tympanic thermometers (with plastic consumables) within their ICU ward.

It was found that ear thermometers gave questionable values, and they sought to look for alternatives, with a view to switching.

St. Claraspital determined that any new thermometer must meet the following key criteria:
– Disturb the patient as little as possible
– Enhance patient comfort

– Reduce the use of plastic consumables
– Offer zero contact when taking temperatures – Provide ease of maintenance
– Provide ease of use
– Reduce overall contact with the patient

THE EVALUATION

Trials were carried out on approximately ten patients with temperature measured twice in succession using the TRITEMP™.

The results were compared with the tympanic thermometer. In addition, measurements were compared with an invasive urinary catheter temperature probe.

THE RESULTS

The TRITEMP™ proved more accurate than the tympanic thermometer.

Additionally (whilst values were not recorded in detail) results showed only a very small deviation from the invasive temperature measurement method.

THE OUTCOME

• –  Readings using the TRITEMP™ were very close to core body temperatures and gave users confidence in temperature readings for the department. Accuracy was therefore the decisive factor for the department opting to change to the TRITEMP™.
• –  Additionally, St. Claraspital decided to implement the TRITEMP™ in the ICU ward, because the device is more comfortable for the patient, and no further procedures are necessary.
• –  St. Claraspital concluded, due to the TRITEMP™ not requiring any consumables makes the device very easy to use and eliminates the need to interfere with the patient’s ear, which is very unpleasant for the patient. Users were very satisfied with the TRITEMP™.

REFERENCES:

www.trimedika.com