1 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 2 0
T
he active
prewarm-
ing of
patients
has
proven invaluable in
the fight against inad-
vertent perioperative
hypothermia (IPH), a
serious but preventa-
ble complication that
can delay wound healing and increase risk of surgical site infections.
Patients who suffer IPH might also require more aggressive post-op
pain management, remain in recovery longer and be at higher risk of
needing a blood transfusion. The clinical benefits of maintaining nor-
mothermia clearly go well beyond patient comfort, although the satis-
fying effects of active warming measures can't be ignored.
Two years ago, we conducted a study to test the benefits of
actively prewarming orthopedic and colorectal patients. We want-
ed to find out if prewarming would:
• reduce episodes of IPH and lower SSI risks and the need for blood
transfusions; and
• increase patients' thermal comfort and reduce their anxiety
throughout the perioperative experience.
The trial involved applying forced-air warming for 30 minutes to
about 500 patients in pre-op. We discovered prewarming resulted in
Marci D. Trump, MSN, RN, CNOR; Adrianna Medina, RN, CNOR; and
Denise Rainier, MBA, BSN, RN | Long Beach, Calif.
Prewarming Works Wonders
Early interventions to maintain normothermia
reduce infection risks and increase patient satisfaction.
• SAFE AND SATISFIED Active patient warming is a relatively inexpensive upgrade
that pleases patients and enhances clinical outcomes.
