Passive vs Active warming, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s find out.
In hospital settings, maintaining normothermia is critical for patient safety and outcomes, particularly during the perioperative period. Even mild hypothermia can lead to complications such as surgical site infections, increased blood loss, and longer recovery times.
It’s therefore essential that clinicians determine the best warming approach for their patients. Both passive and active warming techniques are commonly used. Each type of warming has its benefits and drawbacks, and the suitability of each will depend on the requirements of the patient or situation.
What is PASSIVE warming?
Passive warming refers to non-electric, non-invasive methods of preserving or increasing a patient’s body temperature. In a medical setting, passive warming relies on the body’s own heat production while minimising heat loss through insulation.
Solutions in this space include thermal blankets, insulating drapes, and specialised garments designed to minimise heat loss.
Advantages of passive warming:
- Non-invasive: Passive methods do not require direct application of heat-generating devices. They are simple to use and do not require staff training, saving time.
- Energy independent: These solutions are effective without the need for electricity or batteries, making them ideal in emergency or resource-limited situations.
- Cost-effective: Passive warming materials are typically more affordable and reusable throughout the patient pathway, reducing hospital costs.
Best use cases for passive warming:
- Pre-warming and keeping patients warm throughout the patient pathway, from point of consent, to anaesthetics, to recovery.
- Maintaining patient temperature during short procedures or when active warming is unavailable.
- Emergency situations, such as trauma care, where simplicity and speed are critical. Ideal for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
What is ACTIVE warming?
Active warming involves devices that generate heat through external energy sources, such as forced-air warming systems, or fluid-warming devices. These systems are commonly used in operating rooms and recovery areas to maintain or restore normothermia in patients.
Advantages of active warming:
- Precise temperature control: Active systems allow healthcare providers to set and maintain specific temperatures as required.
- Rapid heat delivery: Active warming devices can quickly elevate body temperature, which is crucial in cases of severe hypothermia.
- Suitable for longer surgeries: Active warming is recommended for longer surgeries, where passive warming is no longer suitable.
Best use cases for active warming:
- During lengthy or high-risk surgeries where significant heat loss is expected.
- Intraoperative warming to counteract the cooling effects of anaesthesia and surgical exposure.
- Postoperative warming to facilitate recovery and reduce shivering in the PACU (Post-anaesthesia care unit).
Key differences between passive and active warming
Passive vs Active warming in the perioperative period
The choice between passive and active warming often depends on the phase of the perioperative process, the facilities available, and the patient’s specific risk factors for hypothermia.
Preoperative warming
Passive warming can be highly effective for pre-warming patients before surgery, as it helps reduce the risk of intraoperative hypothermia without requiring complex equipment.
Active warming may be used for patients with lower baseline body temperatures or those undergoing long procedures.
Intraoperative warming:
Active warming is generally preferred during surgery due to its ability to maintain precise and consistent body temperatures.
Passive warming can complement active methods by reducing overall heat loss, especially in minimally invasive or shorter procedures.
Postoperative warming:
Active warming devices are sometimes used in recovery areas to quickly restore normothermia.
Passive warming, such as insulating blankets, can help maintain warmth once the patient’s temperature has stabilised.
THERMARMOUR passive warming solutions
We understand the critical role of temperature management in patient care. Our passive warming products are designed with healthcare providers in mind, offering reliable, cost-effective solutions for pre-warming and maintaining patient temperature during perioperative care.
With advanced materials that maximize heat retention, our products ensure patient comfort and safety without the need for additional space or power sources. Read more about our technology.
Clinical evidence
Our partners in the NHS and emergency services trust THERMARMOUR to help prevent hypothermia in patients and casualties. THERMARMOUR has been thoroughly tested by clinicians and independent experts who have confirmed its effectiveness at maintaining normothermia in a perioperative setting.
Please see the full outputs from these clinical trials below. The following studies were undertaken using the same product but under the previous brand name of ‘Orve-wrap’. Every patient should be assessed for their individual needs and the appropriate solution. Active warming solutions can be used where deemed necessary in conjunction with THERMARMOUR.
View clinical evidence reports
Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre Loughborough University: Measurement of heat resistance of THERMARMOUR vs traditional blanket
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Report on post-operative warming (2019)
Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust: Temperature management in major spine surgery
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Managing perioperative normothermia in post anaesthetic care
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital: An evaluation of THERMARMOUR warming blanket for temperature management in hip replacement
THERMARMOUR Medical Blanket
Our passive warming blanket has been designed and developed with clinicians and medics to keep and maintain patients at a normothermic level within a clinical setting. Improving patient comfort and outcomes perioperatively, whilst optimising operational and cost efficiencies.
Size: 100cm x 150cm
No heat source required
Various sizes available to suit all procedures
Can be cut to size
X-ray compatible
Latex-free
Standalone, patient specific
Can be pre-warmed
THERMARMOUR Medical Cap
The medical cap is designed for use in elective surgery. This cap is one size fits all. It reduces the patient’s heat loss through the head throughout the perioperative period.
One size fits all
Can be pre-warmed in a blanket warmer
X-ray compatible
Latex-free
Standalone, patient specific
Conclusion
The answer to Passive vs Active warming: which is better? is not a simple one. Both passive and active warming methods play vital roles in preventing hypothermia in hospital settings. By understanding the strengths of each approach and evaluating the specific needs of your patients, healthcare providers can make informed decisions to improve outcomes.
For pre-warming and perioperative care, THERMARMOUR’s passive warming products offer simplicity, reliability, and efficiency. Explore our range of solutions to enhance your temperature management protocols today.
Categories: Medical
Tags: active warming, medical blanket, passive warming, perioperative hypothermia, surgery
