including delayed wound healing, increased risk of infection, poor
drug metabolism, heightened risk of post-op heart attack, hyperten-
sion and delayed discharge. In fact, published research has shown
that maintaining normothermia decreases post-op lengths of stay by
40% and risk of surgical site infections by 64%. Even if none of those
unwanted outcomes happen, cold patients might be more anxious
during their stay and shivering patients aren't usually happy, meaning
your satisfaction scores might also take a hit. Cost considerations and
reimbursement implications are important, but isn't improving patient
care the bottom line that matters most? OSM
8 8
O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A U G U S T 2 0 1 5
Ms. Patterson (pattersonea@tocdocs.com) is the nurse manager
at Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics in Knoxville, Tenn.
