Tiny patients, big decisions: the optimal thermometer for newborns

Abstract Background The use of accurate thermometers is critical in young (aged <3 months old) infants given the significant risk of serious infection in this age group. Best practice guidelines recommend direct electronic thermometers (axilla or rectal) for infants aged <3 months. Infrared thermometers (forehead or tympanic) are inaccurate in this patient population. Families commonly use infrared devices, which are available from pharmacies. Aim The primary aim of this study was to investigate the recommendations made in community pharmacies regarding thermometers for use in newborn infants and secondarily, to understand why particular thermometers were recommended. Method A prospective, observational cross‐sectional ‘secret shopper’ study was conducted from July to September 2022. Researchers sought pharmacy advice regarding suitable thermometer use for a newborn from pharmacies located in Melbourne, Australia. Ethics approval was granted by the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: 72682) and the study conforms with the Australian National statement on ethical conduct in human research . Results From 122 pharmacies, the best‐practice recommendation (use of direct thermometer) was made 9.8% of the time. Infrared thermometers were recommended 84.4% of the time, regardless of pharmacy type, socioeconomic status of the pharmacy location or whether a pharmacist or retail assistant provided the advice. Conclusion Despite clinical guideline recommendations that direct devices should be used in infants aged <3 months, infrared thermometers were overwhelmingly recommended in this sample of pharmacies. This research demonstrated the need for improved education regarding best practice for measuring temperatures in newborns.