ABSTRACT

The study was implemented as a 2*2 factorial randomized controlled clinical research for the purpose of determining the effects of active and passive heating methods, which are applied in different areas of perioperative process, on thermal comfort and anxiety and also on vital signs.

Sample of the study consisted of 99 patients, who had undergone an open abdominal operation in the gynecology and obstetrics service between October 1, 2018 – January 10, 2019. The patients were separated into three groups as group A, B and C via randomization. The patients in the group A were made wear a hot air apron in both the preoperative and postoperative period, whereas the patients in the group B were made wear the apron only in the postoperative period. The group C continued routine applications. Study data were collected via Introductory Information Form, which was developed by the researcher and Vital Signs Follow-Up Form. The patients’ thermal comfort levels were assessed with VAS and anxiety levels with “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory”. The data were analyzed using; ANOVA, Tukey or Tamhane tests, chi-square, Kruskall Wallis, Friedman test and Bonferroni correction. After the end of the study, the findings were determined by using G * Power 3.1 program with 5% error and 0.8 power and d = 0.160 effect size. In the study, a total of 99 samples were found to be sufficient.

In the study, it was found that the group which was heated with hot air apron in both the preoperative and postoperative period had a higher thermal comfort level, lower anxiety level. In addition, it was determined that heating the patients with hot air apron contributed to their body temperature, pulse, respiration and saturation values positively. As a result of the study, it was determined that hot air apron made positive contributions to increasing thermal comfort, decreasing anxiety and to body temperature, pulse, respiration and saturation values in the perioperative period. It was found that heating the patients with hot air apron or heated green cover made no difference on blood pressure values in the perioperative period. As a result of the study, warming of patients with warm air-blowing apron to improve thermal comfort, reducing anxiety, establishing protocols and it can be recommended to evaluate different heating techniques to be used in increasing thermal comfort, decreasing anxiety and assessing the effect of hypothermia on vital signs, in terms of effectiveness and cost.

Keywords: Active heating; anxiety; nurse; hypothermia; passive heating; thermal comfort