Introduction of heating pads in the labour room: a quality improvement project

Abstract

Background: Thermal discomfort during labour can contribute to patient distress. During winter months in north India, maintaining patient comfort remains challenging despite standard heating, particularly in high-volume public sector labour rooms. Simple interventions addressing environmental comfort may improve patient experience. This project aimed to evaluate the feasibility and patient-reported thermal comfort associated with introducing heating pads in a government hospital labour room as a quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Methods: This before-and-after QI project was conducted in the labour room of a tertiary-care government medical college hospital in North India during winter. Baseline data on patient-reported thermal discomfort were collected through brief verbal interviews before the intervention. Reusable heating pads were then introduced as a non-invasive comfort measure. Post-intervention interviews assessed thermal comfort, perceived changes in pain or discomfort, willingness to recommend the intervention, and feedback from resident doctors. Changes in the proportion of patients reporting comfort were assessed using the chi-square test as a supportive analysis.

Results: Fifty-five women participated pre-intervention and 60 post-interventions. The proportion reporting thermal comfort increased from 49.1% to 76.7% after the implementation. Approximately two-thirds reported a reduction in pain or discomfort, and 88.3% would recommend the intervention. Most resident doctors reported improved patient comfort and greater ease during examinations or suturing.

Conclusions: Introducing reusable heating pads was associated with improved patient-reported thermal comfort and positive staff feedback. Such interventions may be feasible strategies to improve patient comfort in labour rooms and support patient-centred care in resource-constrained settings.