Thermal comfort in the operating suite

*Iwona Sudoł-Szopińska¹, Wiesław Tarnowski²

Summary
Summary
A properly functioning operating suite has to satisfy many requirements essential for the safety of both the patient and the personnel. One of these is thermal comfort, depending on several factors, such as temperature conditions of the operating theatre, insulation of protective clothing, stress, rate of metabolism, and safety mechanisms in the body to keep core temperature stable. The disturbance of any of these elements triggers defence mechanisms which in extreme cases may lead to serious disturbances in the body. Exposure to temperature below 10°C or above 32°C within <120 minutes reduces psychophysical capabilities by approx. 15%. This makes errors more likely and decreases physical efficiency. The maintenance of recommended standards concerning thermal conditions in operating theatres ensures the highest possible physical capabilities of the personnel while providing maximum safety for the patients.

To jest tylko fragment artykułu. Aby przeczytać całość, przejdź do Czytelni medycznej.