Abstract
This study aimed to compare the detectability of four alarms among two kinds of axillary thermometers in adults aged ≥70 years. In this randomized crossover study, the detectability of four alarms was assessed using within-subject differences between a reference (A) and a new thermometer with lower frequency and higher volume (B1), vibration (B2), and both functions (B3). The seconds was calculated by subtracting the time buzzer or vibration going off, from the time participant detected it. Positive detectability was defined as below 5 seconds. Complete data of 47 participants (mean age, 79.7 years) were collected. The numbers (proportions) of participants able to detect the alarm of A, B1, B2, and B3 was 19 (40.4%), 31 (65. 9%), 46 (97. 8%), and 46 (97. 8%), respectively. A generalized linear mixed-effects model analysis, alarm detection was positively associated with alarm type, and age, but not between Mini-Mental State Examination. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval, P value) of B1, B2, B3, and age were 4.98 (1.15 to 21.51, P = 0.031), 688.92 (23.36 to 20316.95,P < 0.001), 688.92 (23.36 to 20316.95, P < 0.001), and 0.81(0.67 to 0.99; P = 0.042), respectively. Vibration was the most important variable that allowed for easier detection of alarms in this group, with or without cognitive impairment.
