Hypothermia as a risk factor for surgical wound infection: the nurse assistant's knowledge

conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem de nível médio

Abstract

The nursing team plays a fundamental role in preventing and controlling hypothermia in a surgical patient. Such control is essential to avoid complications, such as the surgical wound infection. It helps to reduce costs and improve the quality in patient care. This study aims to analyze the nursing assistants' knowledge about the relationship between the control of hypothermia and the surgical site infection prevention. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study in the surgical center of a philanthropic hospital in the State of São Paulo. 21 nursing professionals of both sexes participated in the survey. A questionnaire was used as data collection method. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Paulista. The results indicated that 85.7% of the nursing assistants were not aware that hypothermia is a risk factor for surgical wound infection what stresses the need for the nursing professionals to possess an extensive knowledge in the area. Advances in technology and scientific discoveries are constant and refreshment and update courses become indispensable. In this context strategic actions are fundamental to transform healthcare organization and teaching practices. Their implementation would require an articulated work between the health system and the nursing training schools, where theory and practice could merge to provide safety and quality to the surgical patient. For this the professional nurse has to act effectively as a supervisor and leader, transmitting knowledge and relevant information to his/her team.