The Effect of Active Warming on Postoperative Hypothermia on Body Temperature and Thermal Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of active warming method in temperature control and thermal comfort in hypothermia after surgery.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 64 male and female postanesthesia care unit and intensive care unit neurosurgery postoperative inpatients. The experimental group was warmed using the active warming method, and the control group's routine care was continued via a cotton blanket. Patients were warmed until their tympanic body temperature reached 37°C.

FINDINGS: The time needed to adequately warm patients was approximately twice as short in those who received active warming as compared with the control group. The perception of thermal comfort was significantly higher in the first hour in patients who received the active warming method (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The active warming method resulted in a shorter time to warming in hypothermia after surgery and an increase in the perception of thermal comfort and body temperature.