I need some feedback on what other clinics set thier room temperature to. We recently got new thermostats and only myself and the clinic manager have access to them. Since the techs and patient know this now, the staff are constantly complaining that it's too hot, or too cold.

What are your settings for this time of year? Keep in mind I am in the Portland area...it's going to be in the 70's for the next week (YAH!!)

Do you use the "Auto" option on the thermostate?? Fill me in, my fingers are getting blisters on them from trying to please everyone!

I keep our unit 68 degrees all year round.

According to the new conditions of coverage, it is supposed to be set at a temperature comfortable to the patients....not the staff.

If my patients complain that it is too cold I set it to 70. I don't want staff passing out with it being too hot.

This issue may be more critical than you realize. V405 of the new CMS Conditions for Coverage states:
The dialysis facility must:
1. Maintain a comfortable temperature within th facility; and
2. Make reasonable accomodations fo the patient who are not comfortable at this temperature.

The interpretive guidance for this condition states in part:
"The facility must develop an acceptable plan to determine the temperature in the patient treatment area. An "acceptable plan" could be to set the thermostat for a reasonable temperature, inform patients and staff of the set temperature and suggest patients may want to bring a light blanket. It is not acceptable to allow the temperature to be randomly raised or lowered, dependent on one person's comfort level."
Although not specifically stated, the tone of the guidance is that the temperature in the treatment area should be set for the comfort of the patients (and not primarily for the comfort of the staff.)

Thank you for your input. I have set the temp for what the patients think is comfortable, not neccesarily the staff. It is much more important to me that the patients are comfortable, always has been. I think I have found the sweet spot of 70 heat and 74 cool. That seems to be just right for the last week or so. Thanks again.

It is a constant battle you will never overcome. The pt's. are anemic, cold, the staff is moving and warm. The only way to improve is to feed the staff. The settle down, quit moving and cool off. They are happy the won't complain if fed!

We keep our temp at 70. Any higher and we all start sweating, not a pretty sight. If the patients are too cold we offer blankets that have been donated to the unit by a lady who likes to crochet. We also have hot packs available.

quote:

Originally posted by CindyRN:
We keep our temp at 70. Any higher and we all start sweating, not a pretty sight. If the patients are too cold we offer blankets that have been donated to the unit by a lady who likes to crochet. We also have hot packs available.

/well said CindyRN

Just have to give them the blanket after they use it or you have a huge infection control issue. Yuk! I hope you are not reusing these blankets from one patient to another.