The actual experiences of nurses’ in implementing hypothermia prevention practices during post-anesthesia care unit: a qualitative study based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model

Abstract

Background Hypothermia is one of the most common postoperative complications in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and preventive measures are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Anesthesia nurses play a vital role in the prevention and management of hypothermia, but the factors influencing their behavior have not yet been systematically explored. Objective This study aimed to explore the actual experiences of the implementation in hypothermia prevention measures by PACU nurses in post-anesthesia care unit, providing a basis for the formulation of management plans. Methods A descriptive qualitative research design was employed, with nurses in the post-anesthesia care unit of a general hospital in Guizhou Province, China, selected as the study subjects. Data analysis was performed directed content analysis. Results Three major categories emerged, corresponding to the predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors outlined by the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Predisposing factors included knowledge gaps on hypothermia, complexity of evidence-to-practice translation, conflicts between mindset and habitual practices. Enabling factors included insufficient human and equipment resources, lack of targeted and continuous training, lack of standardized guidelines for hypothermia prevention management processes, limitations in hospital information systems and lack of intelligent monitoring functions. Reinforcing factors included healthcare collaboration and peer support promote hypothermia prevention practices, lack of supervisory network for hypothermia prevention. Conclusion To enhance hypothermia prevention practices in PACU, nursing administrators should implement need-based multidisciplinary training programs, optimize staffing, equipment resources, develop intelligent decision-support systems, and establish digitalized monitoring networks to support continuous quality improvement.

Affiliated Institutions

• Zunyi Medical University CN

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