Evidence-Based Nursing Practices to Prevent Perioperative Unintentional Hypothermia in Elective Surgeries: An Observational Study

Abstract

Although evidence-based recommendations for preventing perioperative unintentional hypothermia have long been available, observational studies evaluating their implementation in hospital practice and the effectiveness of preventive interventions in at-risk patients are limited. This study aimed to determine the scope of nursing interventions for preventing perioperative unintentional hypothermia and examine the relationship between patient characteristics and these practices. This study employed a descriptive observational design. Patients undergoing elective surgery in the surgical units (orthopedics, gynecology, urology, neurosurgery, general surgery, and cardiovascular surgery) of a tertiary hospital in Turkey were observed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and on the first postoperative day. The mean age of the participants was 51.30 ± 19.32 years; 77% were overweight or obese, 55.2% had chronic diseases, and 39.6% underwent surgeries lasting more than 2 hours. The findings indicated that the duration of surgery was a significant determinant of nurses’ perioperative hypothermia prevention practices. In longer procedures, nurses’ awareness of hypothermia risk increased, which was reflected in patient education, environmental temperature management, and the use of active and passive warming methods (p < 0.05). This study highlights the importance of educational programs, strengthening standard care protocols, and policy development to enhance nurses’ awareness and practice in preventing perioperative unintentional hypothermia. In conclusion, effective strategies are needed to improve nursing practice and promote evidence-based interventions in this area.