Diagnostic Accuracy of Body Temperature Measurement in Geriatric Patients

Diagnostic Accuracy of Body Temperature Measurement in Geriatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• >= 75 years
• given informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients who do not speak the German language
• patients with unstable cardiorespiratory status
• presence of contraindications to one of the temperature measurement methods