Reduction in Intra-Operative Hypothermia in the Burn Patient Population

Abstract

Hypothermia can result in deleterious physiologic consequences, especially in the burn patient who is susceptible to develop hypothermia due to the loss of skin. Burn patients are at high risk for hypothermia intra- and post-operatively, due to large body surface areas being exposed during grafting. We identified intra-and post-operative hypothermia (<36C) as an audit filter for our Burn Center's Quality Assurance Program. Data on burn patients intra-and post-operative temperature during an inpatient Burn Center admission were documented over 12 months to determine the incidence of hypothermia (<36C). Utilizing a root cause analysis, several areas for improvement were identified and interventions were planned after reviewing evidenced-based research and “best practices” in regards to prevention of hypothermia. At the end of 12 months these interventions were initiated and included; reduction in variation of delivery of care through education and written Standards of Practice, and resource and environmental enhancement. Data was then collected...