Perioperative Temperature Monitoring and Patient Warming: A Survey Study

Hypothermia is defined as the decrease of core body temperature under 36°C. Hypothermia is observed at a rate of 50-90% in the perioperative period. In our study, we aimed to measure the perception of hypothermia in our country, to evaluate the measures taken by physicians to intercept hypothermia, to determine the frequency and the methods used to monitor body temperature and the techniques used in warming the patients. Another aim was to develop a guideline for preventing perioperative hypothermia.

The questionnaire consisted of 26 multiple-choice questions. The time needed to answer the questions was 8-10 minutes.

Of the 1380 individuals, 312 (22.6%) answered the questions in the questionnaire. Of these, 148 (47.4%) declared they were working in university hospitals, 80 (25.6%) in training and research hospitals, 51 (16.4%) in government hospitals and 33 (10.6%) in various private hospitals. Of the 312 individuals, 134 (42.9%) were specialists, 107 (34.3%) were resident physicians, 71 (22.8%) were academics. In addition, 212 (67.9%) reported working in operating rooms, 49 (15.7%) in intensive care units and 42 (13.5%) both in operating rooms and intensive care units. In the answers, there was variation among the hospital types in applications of body temperature monitoring and warming the patient. Another finding was that the individuals had different approaches to the concepts on perioperative hypothermia and its consequences.

The perceptions of physicians and the allied health personnel in government and private hospitals should be enhanced by informing them about the passive and active heating systems to prevent hypothermia. Although the situation in university and training and research hospitals seems to be better, defects are still observed in practice. Preparation of a national guideline for prevention of perioperative hypothermia is needed.