The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference between temperature
readings obtained using two different electronic temperature devices: one measuring
temporal artery temperature (TAT) and one measuring rectal temperature (RT). A comparative
single-group design was used with each participant acting as his or her control. The
sample consisted of 47 pediatric patients between 3 and 36 months of age. Data analysis
revealed no statistically significant differences between TAT and RT; however, concerns
related to statistical significance versus clinical significance are discussed.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 25, 2011
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© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.