HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and review of manufacturer's instructions for forehead thermometer, it was determined the hospital failed to ensure nursing staff were appropriately trained in use of the equipment to ensure accurate results while taking forehead temperatures. This had the potential to yield inaccurate patient assessment information. Findings include:

The reference manual for "EXERGEN Temporal Scanner" was reviewed. It provided instructions for use of the thermometer, as follows:

1. With probe flush on the center of forehead, depress red button, keep depressed...

2. Slowly slide probe midline across forehead to the hair line, not down side of face.

3. Lift probe from forehead and touch on the neck just behind the ear lobe.

4. Release the button, read, and record temperature.

A CNA was observed to use the temporal scanner on a patient on 9/03/15 at 3:25 PM. The CNA placed the temperature probe on the patient's left side of her forehead and swiped it across to the right side. She did not place the probe behind the ear as the instructions directed.

The RN who was identified as the nurse trainer for the product was interviewed on 9/03/15 at 3:36 PM. When asked to demonstrate how to use the thermometer, he pointed to the center of his forehead, slid his finger, representative of the probe, across his forehead and down the side of his face towards the lower part of his ear. He did not indicate the area behind the ear was to be contacted with the probe. His demonstration was not consistent with the instructions provided in the reference manual provided by the hospital.

Nursing staff were not sufficiently trained in use of the forehead thermometer.