129 - Perioperative Temperature Management - A Collaboration Between Perioperative Nurses and Anestheisa Providers

Perioperative Temperature Management - A Collaboration Between Perioperative Nurses and Anestheisa Providers
based on: Perioperative Temperature Management Program - Endorsed by ANCC

Clinical research shows that maintaining a patient’s core body temperature perioperatively can help reduce the risk of surgical site infections and other serious complications. Through a curriculum including two online modules and one in-person workshop, the educational program provides RNs and CRNAs the tools that will empower them to manage perioperative patient temperature and help prevent unintended hypothermia.
After spending much time at various hospitals in operating rooms observing patient temperature management practices, our nurses noticed an opportunity to provide education regarding the link between perioperative hypothermia and undesirable surgical outcomes.  Assessments have shown that warming practices vary widely from facility to facility, warming products are often used incorrectly or insufficiently, and clinical variability related to warming practices is common.  

The overall goal of the course is to enable to participants to collaborate to develop and implement a successful temperature management plan for each patient they care for. The online modules cover the basics of thermoregulation, information related to why perioperative patients become hypothermic, review of temperature monitoring modalities, and the importance of maintaining normothermia for surgical patients. During the hands-on workshop, anesthesia and nursing groups are able collaborate to work through scenarios related to perioperative temperature management. This includes use of critical thinking skills and simulation exercises to determine the "how, what, when, why, and where" necessary to maintain patieint normothermia.  Also included is hands-on use of patient warming technologies and temperature monitoring devices to ensure confidence and competence is felt with product selection, application, and use. 

After completion of this course, nurses and CRNAs should have a better understanding of how and why perioperative patients become hypothermic and how to manage patient core temperature in theperioperative environment.  Collaboration between perioperative nurses and anestheisa providers is crucial when it comes to maintaining normothermia. This program strives to promote and support this collaboration in order to improve patient outcomes.

Disclosure(s): Melissa Bailey - 3M Medical Solutions Division - Employee