Perioperative hypothermia defined as a core body temperature < 36° C has a positive correlation with morbidity and mortality. Clinical consequences of hypothermia include coagulopathy and vasoconstriction leading to a higher risk of wound infection. It is therefore the role of the anesthetist to aim to maintain normothermia, thereby reducing the risk of peri-operative morbidity. The Assoication of Anaestheitsts (the Association) recommends that temperature should be recorded every 30 minutes intra-operatively [1].

Methods

After taking approval from audit department, 40 patients undergoing surgery were analyzed for temperature monitoring in operation theatre (OT), temperature taken in recovery, Bair hugger and fluid warmer use. Speciality wise data was also taken to see trends in theatres during different operating conditions. A re-audit was completed after several interventions like a poster explaining the importance of peri-operative monitoring was placed in all theatres and recovery and frequent emails were sent to trainees and consultants.

Results

The initial audit showed that temperature was checked every 30 minutes in 11 out of 40 patients in OT. It improved to 19 out of 40 patients during re-audit. All the patients were checked for temperature in recovery during reaudit compared to 60% during the initial survey. Use of Bair-hugger and fluid warmer was also found to be increased in re-audit.

Discussions

Overall, the project has seen an improvement in adherence to peri-operative temperature monitoring. Adherence to temperature monitoring was still below the target of 100% at 30 minutes as outlined by Association. Therefore, further interventions are required to strive to achieve this 100% target.

Acknowledgements

Dr Gerwyn Rees, Dr Kaval Jabbal.