Heat in the OR and the Impact on Surgical Staff

Overview

Heat in the operating room (OR) has long been a pain point of clinical staff and affects 
all members working in the OR. Environmental conditions in surgical care can vary 
depending on patient need. Ambient OR temperature may need to be set above the 
recommended range to maintain normothermia for certain patients, including neonates 
and burn patients. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) for certain types of 
procedures may also contribute to heat stress and heat discomfort. When surgical staff 
experience heat stress, adverse physiological responses can result. Heat discomfort 
experienced by OR team members can contribute to diminished workflow efficiency and 
barriers preventing optimal team collaboration. This continuing education activity will 
describe the unique challenges associated with heat in the operating room and how it 
affects the surgical team.

Objectives

After completing this continuing nursing education activity, the participant should be able to: 

1. Discuss regulatory and professional standards and guidelines pertaining to 
   temperature in the operating room (OR).
   
2. Identify key factors that contribute to clinical staff heat stress and discomfort.
3. Discuss the impact of heat stress on OR team member health and the impact of 
   heat discomfort on OR team performance and temperament.
   

Intended audience

This continuing education activity is intended for a perioperative nurse or other 
healthcare professional who wants to learn more or needs to gain knowledge and skills in 
working in different environmental conditions in the OR.

Teaching methodologies

This continuing education activity is governed by principles of adult learning and consists 
of written content with illustrations to complement the narrative. Learner comprehension 
will be assessed through post-test questions following the content.

Accreditation information

California Board of Registered Nursing 

Pfiedler Education is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, 
Provider Number CEP14944, for 2.0 contact hours. Obtaining full credit for this offering depends upon attendance, regardless of 

circumstances, from beginning to end. Licensees must provide their license numbers for 
record keeping purposes. 

The certificate of course completion issued at the conclusion of this course must be 
retained in the participant’s records for at least four (4) years as proof of attendance.