Perioperative Heat Loss Prevention—A Feasibility Trial

Abstract Preventing unplanned perioperative hypothermia is crucial. Thermal reflective blankets may reduce heat loss, promote normothermia, increase patient comfort, and decrease cotton blanket expenses. Our purpose was to determine whether a thermal reflective blanket plus one warmed cotton blanket...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:AORN journal 2016-10, Vol.104 (4), p.307-319
Main Authors: Kurnat-Thoma, Emma L., PhD, MS, RN, Roberts, Mary M., RN, Corcoran, Eleanor B., BSN, RN, CNOR, RNFA
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anesthesia & Perioperative Care
Bedding and Linens
Body Temperature Regulation
Cost Savings
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Hypothermia
Hypothermia - prevention & control
Male
Medical-surgical nursing
Middle Aged
Nursing
patient thermal comfort
Perianesthesia
perioperative hypothermia
Perioperative Period
Postoperative period
Surgery
Surgical apparatus & instruments
thermal reflective blanket
warmed cotton blanket
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Summary:Abstract Preventing unplanned perioperative hypothermia is crucial. Thermal reflective blankets may reduce heat loss, promote normothermia, increase patient comfort, and decrease cotton blanket expenses. Our purpose was to determine whether a thermal reflective blanket plus one warmed cotton blanket provides better temperature control and thermal comfort than warmed cotton blankets only. We compared two groups of perioperative patients who received a thermal reflective blanket plus one warmed cotton blanket (n = 110) or warmed cotton blankets only (n = 114) for temperature control and comfort, and we evaluated outcomes in the preoperative holding area, the OR, and the postanesthesia care unit. There were no significant differences in patient temperature or comfort between groups. Use of thermal reflective blankets led to significantly reduced use of warmed cotton blankets ( t209  = −10.51, P < .001), and a cost threshold for clinical adoption was identified. The hospital opted not to purchase thermal reflective blankets because of equivalent performance and minimal cost savings.
ISSN:0001-2092
1878-0369
DOI:10.1016/j.aorn.2016.07.012