Recommendations of the Working Group of the Polish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Nurses on the prevention of unintentional perioperative hypothermia

Introduction Unintentional perioperative hypothermia (UPH) is a relatively common event in the perioperative period, which occurs with varying frequency. UPH may cause complications, including impaired coagulation factors and platelet function, promoting fibrinolysis, which results in increased perioperative bleeding, as well as an increased demand for allogeneic transfusions; it may also delay wound healing. The prevention of unintentional hypothermia is of economic significance for healthcare facilities, as cost analyses suggest considerable savings for hospitals. Aim The main aim of the study was to highlight the most effective methods of preventing UPH. Material and methods A systematic review method was employed. Scientific databases were searched. The search was limited to the latest retrospective, prospective or randomized studies, published in English and Polish, conducted between 2019 – 2024. All studies included in the review were subjected to the PICOS and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist assessment. Results The review included 73 studies that met the criteria. The most common risk factors were age (> 60 years), prolonged duration of surgery and anaesthesia, the extent of surgery, and ASA score. Patients with UPH were more likely to present more muscle tremors, nausea, impaired wound healing, and coagulopathies. Conclusions More than a half of the patients undergoing surgery may experience unintentional hypothermia. The occurrence of UPH results in higher treatment costs, prolongs post-anaesthesia/intensive care unit stay as well as the total hospitalisation time. Nurses play a major role in the care and monitoring of patients in the perioperative period, therefore, gaining a better understanding of UPH constitutes a key element in improving patient outcomes.