Maintaining Perioperative Normothermia: Sustaining an Evidence-Based Practice Improvement Project

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Perioperative Medicine
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Unintentional perioperative hypothermia is linked to severe patient complications and increased healthcare expenses.
• An evidence-based practice improvement project in 2009 successfully reduced hypothermia in colorectal surgery patients by monitoring operating room (OR) ambient temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term sustainability of an intervention aimed at reducing unintentional perioperative hypothermia.
• To assess the impact of sustained monitoring of OR ambient temperature on patient outcomes across all surgical types.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a protocol for monitoring OR ambient room temperature.
• Engagement of interdisciplinary stakeholders to ensure intervention sustainability.
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the protocol's outcomes at scheduled intervals post-implementation.

Main Results:

• The intervention, initially focused on colorectal surgery patients, was sustained for five years.
• Attention to sustainability factors during the initial project facilitated the protocol's long-term adoption.
• The protocol for monitoring OR ambient temperature was successfully expanded to encompass all surgical patient types.

Conclusions:

• Proactive consideration of sustainability factors is crucial for the long-term success of healthcare improvement projects.
• Sustained monitoring of OR ambient temperature is an effective strategy for preventing unintentional perioperative hypothermia in a broader surgical population.
• This approach demonstrates a successful translation of an evidence-based practice into routine care, enhancing patient safety and potentially reducing costs.