Knowledge and Practice of Perioperative Nurses Regarding Post Spinal Hypothermia Management: A Cross-sectional Study

Inadvertent post spinal hypothermia is a common and preventable complication during surgeries. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of perioperative nurses regarding post spinal hypothermia management.

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024. The population comprised operating room nurses working in educational hospitals affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences. A sample of 172 nurses was selected using the census method. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing knowledge and practice. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.80 and 0.85 for the knowledge and practice sections, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and one-way ANOVA.

The mean score of nurses' knowledge in preventing hypothermia was 54% ± 0.15, with 71.5% demonstrating moderate knowledge. The mean practice score was 44.6% ± 0.29, with 69.8% showing moderate practice. A positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice (r = 0.471, P < .0001). Nurses' knowledge and practice were significantly associated with prior hypothermia training (F = 65.72, P < .001 for knowledge; F = 14.7, P < .001 for practice) and education level (F = 36.04, P < .001 for knowledge; F = 8.19, P = .005 for practice).

This study reveals a need for improvement in perioperative nurses' knowledge and practice regarding post spinal hypothermia management. Implementing continuous training and encouraging advanced education can enhance nurses' ability to prevent hypothermia and manage its complications, potentially improving patient safety and outcomes in the perioperative setting.