Theory of heat stress management: Development and application in the operating room

Abstract

Aim: The Theory of Heat Stress Management addresses the phenomenon of occupational heat stress and applies the theory to surgical staff wearing personal protective equipment while performing surgery. This discussion paper relates development of the prescriptive middle range theory of heat stress management to inform and advance research and provide evidence to support new standards of care in clinical nursing practice.

Design: The prescriptive middle range theory was developed by summarizing essential elements of the theory, describing the linkages among the dimensions of the theory, enumerating nursing interventions and physiological, psychological and cognitive outcomes, stating relevant assumptions, defining and identifying relationships between the concepts of heat stress management in observable and measurable terms.

Data sources: This discussion paper is based on the first author's experiences with occupational heat stress, observed improvements in surgical personnel's thermal comfort by using a cooling intervention and knowledge gained from an extensive integrated literature review and ongoing clinical research.

Implications for nursing: The middle range theory was developed to create awareness of the impact heat stress has on the health and well-being of all healthcare personnel at risk for heat stress due to wearing personal protective equipment. Nurses need to recognize individuals in thermally stressful environments, evaluate and monitor individuals' physiological and psychological responses and promote comfort by providing interventions to alleviate occupational heat stress.

Conclusion: The Theory of Heat Stress Management combines dimensions specific to heat stress affecting surgical staff and provides a perspective that facilitates knowledge development, can enhance nursing practice and support exploration of the linkages and prescriptions of the theory through research.

Impact: The predictive middle-range Theory of Heat Stress Management will guide nurses to promote the health and well-being of healthcare workers and influence and improve clinical nursing practice, education, and research related to heat stress management.

Keywords: middle range nursing theory; nursing interventions; nursing practice; occupational heat stress; personal protective equipment; surgical personnel.