The accuracy and problems with the use of non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT) for body temperature measurement in a palliative care unit (PCU) were evaluated. The study was conducted in adult cancer patients admitted to the PCU. Twenty-four hours after admission, the body temperature was measured in the axilla using a digital thermometer and in the forehead, temporal region, and neck using NCIT. An axillary temperature of 37.0°C or above was defined as a fever. Sixty patients were enrolled, and the cutoff value for a fever and AUC by the measurements using NCIT were 36.80°C and 0.851 in forehead group, 36.75°C and 0.843 in temporal group, and 37.1°C and 0.809 in neck group. At each site of measurement, the difference from the axillary temperature was smaller, and the range of limits of agreement was narrower, in the no-fever group than in the fever group. The forehead is considered to be the most appropriate site for body temperature measurement using NCIT in PCU. However, it was found that the temperature measured with NCIT shows a large variance in persons with fever.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the roles of nurses who co-visit with home care doctors in end-of-life care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and descriptive thematic analysis. Participants included nurses who co-visit with home care doctors, home care physicians, visiting nurses, care managers, and visiting pharmacists. Families of patients who experienced home-based end-of-life care also participated in the study. Results: Nine roles were identified: (1) assisting with medical procedures, (2) collaborating with physicians, (3) facilitating understanding of physician explanations, (4) supporting decision-making, (5) providing care to patients and families, (6) creating a supportive environment in the medical care setting, (7) collecting information and assessing from a holistic perspective, (8) coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and (9) educating on end-of-life and palliative care to medical teams. Discussion: Through interviews with various stakeholders, the roles of co-visiting nurses were clarified. Compared to visiting nurses, co-visiting nurses with home care doctors have unique roles that unfold simultaneously with physicians’ medical care while serving as coordinators in palliative home-based care.