Perioperative hypothermia in the pediatric population: a quality improvement project.
There are limited data in the pediatric population regarding the incidence of, risk factors for, and means to prevent perioperative hypothermia. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for quality improvement (QI) methodology was used to bundle the most effective techniques to prevent hypothermia. A multidisciplinary QI team was assembled with the goal to decrease the incidence of perioperative hypothermia by 50%. The baseline incidence of hypothermia was determined and causes identified using a flowchart and a cause-and-effect diagram. Pareto charts were formed and opportunities to decrease the incidence of perioperative hypothermia were trialed. The baseline incidence of hypothermia was 8.9%. Implementation of a standardized temperature management bundle in the operating rooms decreased the incidence to 4.2%. The QI methodology was useful to bundle the most effective techniques to prevent hypothermia, resulting in standardized perioperative care and a sustained reduction in the incidence of perioperative hypothermia.
1The Ohio State College of Medicine, Columbus, OH.
Paul
P
Kim
Thomas
T
Taghon
Mike
M
Fetzer
Joseph D
JD
Tobias
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards; D064872:Patient Care Bundles / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
anesthesia; hypothermia; operating room; quality improvement