Preventing Inadvertent Hypothermia: Comparing Two Protocols for Preoperative Forced-Air Warming

Preoperative forced-air warming is one way of preventing inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. There is scant evidence, however; on the best warming method or the acceptability of these methods to patients. This pilot study compared two warming protocols: one that commenced at maximum temperature and was titrated down as requested (A) and one that commenced at near body temperature and was titrated up as tolerated (B). A crossover design was used in which each participant (n = 10) received both protocols sequentially. The mean device temperature and length of time spent at maximum settings were greater for protocol A (43 degrees C +/- 0 degrees C vs 41 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C, P = .003; and 60 +/- 0 vs 41.5 +/- 2.8 minutes, P = .004). There was no difference in thermal comfort scores, participant temperature, or sweating between the two protocols. When asked, participants preferred protocol A to B (70% to 30%). Starting at higher device settings appears the more favorable of the two approaches.