J Korean Crit Care Nurs.  2017 Oct;10(3):53-64. 10.0000/jkccn.2017.10.3.53.

The Effects of Active Warming on Pain, Temperature, and Thermal Discomfort in Postoperative Patients after General Anesthesia for Abdominal Surgery

• Kim U
• Lee YM

• KMID: 2397834
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkccn.2017.10.3.53

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study investigated the effects of active warming using a Warm Touch warming system or a cotton blanket in postoperative patients after general anesthesia for abdominal surgery.
METHODS
This quasi-experimental study utilized two experimental groups and one control group: a cotton-blanket group (n = 25) were warmed with a cotton blanket and a sheet; a forced-air warming group (n = 24) were warmed with a Warm Touch warming system, a cotton blanket, and a sheet; and a control group (n = 25) were warmed with a sheet. Measurement variables were postoperative pain, body temperature, and thermal discomfort. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, χ2-tests, Fisher's exact test, and a repeated measures ANOVA.
RESULTS
The effects of active warming using a Warm Touch warming system and a cotton blanket on postoperative patients was significant in reducing pain (F = 13.91, p < .001) and increasing body temperature (F = 12.49, p < .001).
CONCLUSION
Active warming made a significant difference in pain and body temperature changes. Active warming methods may help patients' postoperative recovery and prevent complications. Further research is needed to explore the effects and side effects of active warming on recovering normothermia.

Keyword

Postanesthesia nursing; Body temperature; Pain

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General*
Body Temperature
Body Temperature Changes
Humans
Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Pain, Postoperative
Postanesthesia Nursing