Recent studies suggest that forced-air warming may result in a reduction in the perioperative anxiety of the surgical patient.
One such study designed to compare patients’ perceptions of thermal comfort and anxiety was conducted in a preoperative setting to compare the effects of preoperative warming with a forced-air warming gown.
While both interventions had a positive effect on patients’ thermal comfort and sense of well-being, patients using a forced-air warming gown also experienced a significant reduction in perioperative anxiety.1
1. Wagner, D. Byrne, M. Kolcaba, K. Effects of Comfort Warming on Preoperative Patients. AORN Journal, September 2006; 427-448.
