Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical staffs in the operating room towards unintentional perioperative hypothermia prevention: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical staff regarding the prevention of unintentional perioperative hypothermia. This multicenter cross-sectional study enrolled medical staffs in northern China between September and November 2022. A total of 213...

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Main Authors: Wei Guo, Weixuan Sheng, Yang Han, Ying Zhang, Xun Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00202-3
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Summary:Abstract This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical staff regarding the prevention of unintentional perioperative hypothermia. This multicenter cross-sectional study enrolled medical staffs in northern China between September and November 2022. A total of 213 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 5.36 ± 2.06 (total score of 12), 47.54 ± 5.44 (total score of 55), and 31.57 ± 4.37 (total score of 40), respectively. The participant demographics included 14 surgeons (6.57%), 29 anesthesiologists (13.62%), and 170 operating room nurses (79.81%). Significant differences were observed in the knowledge (P = 0.046) and practices (P = 0.023) related to perioperative hypothermia among surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating room nurses. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.21, P = 0.002), knowledge and practices (r = 0.23, P = 0.001), as well as attitudes and practices (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). Structural equation modeling indicated that knowledge had a direct effect on attitudes (β = 0.56, P = 0.002) and an indirect effect on practices (β = 0.25, P = 0.003). Additionally, attitudes had a direct effect on practices (β = 0.45, P < 0.001). This study concluded that knowledge regarding the prevention of unintentional perioperative hypothermia was inadequate; however, most participants exhibited a positive attitude and acceptable practices. Targeted interventions are necessary to enhance understanding and implementation in clinical settings.
ISSN:2045-2322