Identification the best skin temperature probe attachment place in premature neonates nursed under radiant warmers in NICU: A diagnostic clinical trial study

Background Optimizing thermal care is essential for premature neonates and is a major problem among researchers. Monitoring of skin temperature in premature neonates is usually done in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study searched the skin temperature at 7 locations and then addressed the correlation of these locations with axillary temperature in order to identify the ideal skin temperature probe (STP) placement. Methods This diagnostic clinical trial was performed on 203 premature neonates cared under a radiant warmer (RW) with servo-control mode. STP was placed at different locations, including the chest, forehead, right axillary, arm, right hypochondrium of abdomen, thigh, and foot, in all the neonates. The total duration of measurement for the neonates was seven minutes. Concurrently, a digital thermometer was used at each location, recording 1428 measurements. In addition, agreement of STP with digital axillary thermometer measurements was also assessed. The significance level was P Results The probe-measured temperature at the right hypochondrium of abdomen was consistent with the digital axillary temperature, compared to temperature measured at other sites. Conclusion In premature neonates, proper placement of STP is necessary to monitor skin temperature safely and accurately. NICU nurses have this unique opportunity to determine the best STP placement site and to improve safe practice for optimal outcomes in neonates.