Perioperative temperature monitoring practices in Australia: A multidisciplinary cross-sectional survey

Judy Munday; Simon Maffey; Alana Delaforce; Samantha Keogh

doi:10.1016/j.colegn.2022.04.005

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Perioperative temperature monitoring practices in Australia: A multidisciplinary cross-sectional survey

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Perioperative temperature monitoring practices in Australia: A multidisciplinary cross-sectional survey

Judy Munday, Simon Maffey, Alana Delaforce and Samantha Keogh

Collegian , Vol.29(5), pp.713-719

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2022.04.005

Abstract

Decision-making

monitoring

perioperative hypothermia

thermometry

thermoregulation

Background: Patients undergoing surgery require accurate and consistent temperature monitoring to enable identification of thermal disturbances. Internationally, evidence indicates low rates of monitoring, but knowledge of Australian practices reported by the multidisciplinary team is lacking. Aim: To investigate temperature monitoring practices as reported by multidisciplinary health care workers caring for patients receiving perioperative care. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed online via nursing, anaesthetic, and anaesthetic allied health practitioner professional colleges. Following low-risk ethical approval, data were collected via REDCap using a pre-piloted tool (November to December 2019). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26). Binomial logistic regression assessed relationships between private or public facilities, location, profession, and factors influencing temperature monitoring practices. Findings: Responses were received from 545 participants: registered or enrolled nurses comprised the largest proportion (n = 281/545, 52%) followed by anaesthetists (n = 219/545, 40%). Over half were unsure whether national guidelines for perioperative temperature monitoring existed (n = 273/500, 55%), 19% (n = 106/545) stated that decision-making was influenced by guidelines, and 24% (n = 129/545) were influenced by departmental policy. The odds of influence by national guidelines in decision-making among nurses was twice than for anaesthetists (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.26, 3.46, p <0.01). Discussion: Findings revealed a lack of awareness of perioperative temperature monitoring guidelines among all professions, but adequate availability of devices was reported. Disparities exist between reported uptake of monitoring, and existing observational evidence. Conclusion: Low uptake of optimal perioperative temperature monitoring practices may be influenced by lack of awareness of guidelines and availability of accurate devices.

Details

Title: Perioperative temperature monitoring practices in Australia: A multidisciplinary cross-sectional survey
Authors: Judy Munday (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Simon Maffey (Author) - Mater Health Services
Alana Delaforce (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Samantha Keogh (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Collegian , Vol.29(5), pp.713-719
Publisher: Elsevier BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2022.04.005
ISSN: 1876-7575
Grant note: This study was funded by a Queensland University of Technology (QUT) School of Nursing Pilot Grant.
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Nursing
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99991063702621
Output Type: Journal article