Determining the Effectiveness of Forced-Air Warming Blankets in Maintaining Postoperative Body Temperature: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of forced-air warming blankets in normalizing body temperature in the postoperative period. DesignRandomized controlled trial MethodsThe study sample consisted of patients (N = 67) who underwent lung lobectomy in the Thoracic Surgery Service of a university hospital. Forced-air warming blankets were used in the treatment group and 100% cotton blankets were used in the control group. Patients’ body temperatures were monitored using a tympanic thermometer until it reached 37°C. FindingsThe body temperature of the patients in the treatment group reached 37°C in a shorter time than that of the patients in the control group (52.27 ± 29.79 min and 139.0 ± 81.93 min, respectively; P < .001), and that the perception of comfort of the patients in the treatment and control groups increased (P < .001) after warming. ConclusionsWe recommend that forced-air warming blankets are used for patients undergoing lung lobectomy in order to reach normal body temperature in a shorter time.