Accuracy of different temperature devices in the postpartum population.

Objectives: To determine if different temperature monitoring devices routinely used in postpartum mothers and newborns provide similar temperatures and to compare the rectal and axillary routes for temperature monitoring in newborns.

Design: A method comparison design with randomization of the temperature device sequence was used to evaluate the level of agreement between the 3 different types of thermometers used.

Setting: A Level 3 (high risk) postpartum unit with 6,200 deliveries per year in a 450-bed, not-for-profit hospital in the Pacific Northwest.