Postoperative hypothermia is a persistent challenge in modern surgical care. During arthroscopic procedures, patients are exposed to anesthesia, low operating room temperatures, and large volumes of irrigation fluid, all of which contribute to heat loss. Even though arthroscopy is considered minimally invasive, patients frequently experience a drop in body temperature after surgery. If not managed properly, hypothermia can lead to shivering, discomfort, delayed recovery from anesthesia, increased oxygen demand, impaired cardiac function, blood clotting disorders, and a greater risk of surgical site infection.
The researchers note that maintaining normal body temperature is therefore an essential component of perioperative nursing and patient safety. As hospitals continue to improve recovery protocols and evidence-based care, identifying the most effective warming strategy has become increasingly relevant for healthcare providers worldwide.
To compare two commonly used warming methods, the research team conducted a quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group design. The study involved 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery during July 2025. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and divided equally into two groups. Twenty patients received active warming with a Forced-Air Warming (FAW) device, while the remaining twenty received conventional warming using standard hospital blankets.
Body temperature was measured immediately after patients arrived in the recovery room and again every ten minutes for a total observation period of twenty minutes. Temperatures between 36.0°C and 37.2°C were classified as stable. The results were analyzed using the Chi-Square statistical test, and the study received ethical approval from the Health Research Ethics Commission of STIK Sint Carolus under approval number 045/KEPPKSTIKSC/IV/2025.
The results revealed a clear advantage for active warming with FAW.
Key findings include:
- 85% of patients treated with Forced-Air Warming maintained stable body temperature.
- Only 35% of patients covered with standard blankets maintained normal temperature.
- Statistical analysis produced a p-value of 0.003, demonstrating a significant difference between the two warming methods.
- Overall, patients receiving FAW experienced substantially better postoperative temperature stability than those receiving passive warming alone.
According to the authors from STIK Sint Carolus, the superior performance of Forced-Air Warming is explained by its ability to actively circulate warm air through a specialized blanket, continuously replacing lost body heat. Unlike standard blankets, which merely reduce additional heat loss, FAW actively transfers heat to the patient's body, helping maintain normal core temperature throughout the early recovery period.
The authors also explain that their findings are consistent with previous national and international studies showing that Forced-Air Warming reduces postoperative hypothermia, minimizes shivering, improves patient comfort, and supports faster recovery following surgery. This consistency strengthens the evidence supporting active warming as a preferred perioperative intervention.
The clinical implications extend beyond patient comfort. Stable body temperature contributes to safer anesthesia recovery, reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications, and may shorten recovery room stays. Hospitals adopting evidence-based perioperative warming strategies could improve both patient outcomes and overall quality of care.
For healthcare administrators and policymakers, the findings support incorporating Forced-Air Warming into standard recovery room protocols, particularly for procedures associated with a high risk of hypothermia. The authors recommend that hospitals consider making FAW part of their standard operating procedures for postoperative care. They also acknowledge that future studies involving larger and more diverse patient populations, together with longer observation periods, would help strengthen the evidence base.
As ethically summarized from the publication, Destri and Enna Rossalina S. of STIK Sint Carolus conclude that Forced-Air Warming provides significantly better postoperative body temperature stability than standard blankets, supporting its routine use in recovery rooms for patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery. This conclusion reflects the statistical evidence reported in their study and underscores the practical value of active warming in perioperative nursing.
Author Profile
Destri is the corresponding author of the study and is affiliated with Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan (STIK) Sint Carolus, Indonesia. Enna Rossalina S. is co-author and is also affiliated with STIK Sint Carolus. Based on the published article, both authors conducted research in the field of perioperative nursing and postoperative patient care. The journal article does not specify their academic degrees, so no academic titles are reported here.
Source
Article Title: Comparison of Forced-Air Warming Device and Standard Blanket Use on Body Temperature Stability in Post-Arthroscopy Patients in the Recovery Room
Journal: Formosa Journal of Science and Technology (FJST)
Publication: Volume 5, Number 7, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v5i7.106
Official Journal Website: https://journalfjst.my.id/index.php/fjst
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