Prevent perioperative hypothermia with BARRIER® EasyWarm®
Pre-operative warming is a crucial aspect of patient care that significantly impacts surgical outcomes. Here are five key reasons why pre-operative warming with BARRIER® EasyWarm® active warming blankets is so critical.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
- Prevention of hypothermia
Hypothermia can occur during surgery due to the effects of anaesthesia, as well as the cold operating room environment. Pre-operative warming helps maintain normothermia, reducing the risk of hypothermia and its associated complications. - Reduced risk of surgical site infections
Maintaining a normal body temperature may reduce the incidence of surgical site infections. Hypothermia can impair the immune response and decrease blood flow to the surgical site, increasing the risk of infection. - Improved anaesthetic outcomes
Anaesthesia can cause vasodilation and heat loss, leading to hypothermia. Pre-operative warming helps counteract these effects, ensuring that the patient remains warm and comfortable throughout the procedure. This can lead to a smoother recovery. - Enhanced patient comfort
Patients who are warm before surgery experience less anxiety and discomfort. Pre-operative warming can improve overall patient satisfaction and contribute to a more positive surgical experience. - Reduction in post-operative complications
Hypothermia is associated with various post-operative complications, including increased blood loss and need for transfusions, prolonged hospital stays, and higher rates of morbidity and mortality. By preventing hypothermia, pre-operative warming can reduce these risks and improve overall surgical outcomes.
Using BARRIER® EasyWarm® active warming blankets for pre-operative warming is a simple yet effective intervention that plays a vital role in enhancing patient safety and improving surgical outcomes.
Professor Jed Duff, Chair of Nursing at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and editor of the Journal of Perioperative Nursing, recommends pre-warming every patient unless there is a contraindication. But he acknowledges that practical barriers in a hectic pre-operative area can make it difficult to implement.
In this Q&A, Professor Duff explains why surgical pre-warming is critical and offers his top tips for practical pre-warming protocols.
BARRIER® EasyWarm® is an active self-warming blanket that can be used before, during and after surgery to help prevent perioperative hypothermia.
Watch how EasyWarm is applied pre-op and remains effective throughout the patient journey — all with no external power or complex setup.
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References:
- Australian College of Perioperative Nurses Ltd (ACORN). The New ACORN Standards: Volume 3 – 2023 Standards for Safe and Quality Care in the Perioperative Environment (SSQCPE) for Organisations. Adelaide: ACORN 2023.
- Duff J. Busting persistent myths about perioperative hypothermia. Journal of Perioperative Nursing 2023;36(3):article 4.
- McSwain JR et al. Perioperative hypothermia: Causes, consequences and treatment. World J Anesthesiol2015; 4(3):58-65.
- Riley C and Andrzejowski J. Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. BJA Education 2018;18(8):227–233.
