Health Technology Assessment for the Prevention of Peri-Operative Hypothermia: Evaluation of the Correct Use of Forced-Air Warming Systems in an Italian Hospital

Giulia Zucconi (), Anna Maria Marchello, Camilla Demarco, Elisabetta Fortina and Ljdia Milano
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Giulia Zucconi: ASST Lodi, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Anna Maria Marchello: ASST Ovest Milanese, 20025 Legnano, Italy
Camilla Demarco: Lundbeck Italia Spa, 56021 Cascina, Italy
Elisabetta Fortina: ASL Novara, 28100 Novara, Italy
Ljdia Milano: Hospital Consulting Spa, 50012 Bagno a Ripoli, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: This study investigates the implications of using a system for the maintenance of normothermia in the treatment of patients undergoing surgery, determining whether the FAW (Forced-Air Warming) systems are more effective and efficient than the non-application of appropriate protocols (No Technology). We conducted Health Technology Assessment (HTA) analysis, using both real-world data and the data derived from literature, assuming the point of view of a medium-large hospital. The literature demonstrated that Inadvertent Perioperative Hypothermia (IPH) determines adverse events, such as surgical site infection (FAW: 3% vs. No Technology: 12%), cardiac events (FAW: 3.5% vs. No Technology: 7.6%) or the need for blood transfusions (FAW: 6.2% vs. No Technology: 7.4%). The correct use of FAW allows a medium saving of 16% per patient to be achieved, compared to the non-use of devices. The Cost Effectiveness Value (CEV) is lower in the hypothesis of FAW: it enables a higher efficacy level with a contextual optimization of patients’ path costs. The social cost is reduced by around 30% and the overall hospital days are reduced by between 15% and 26%. The qualitative analyses confirmed the results. In conclusion, the evidence-based information underlines the advantages of the proper use of FAW systems in the prevention of accidental peri-operative hypothermia for patients undergoing surgery.

Keywords: hypothermia; normothermia; inadverted perioperative hypothermia; forced-air warming; active warming; temperature management; surgical patient (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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