Wibowo Razan, Satow Malte, Quartucci Caroline, Weinmann Tobias, Koller Daniela, Daanen Hein A M, Nowak Dennis, Bose-O Reilly Stephan, Rakete Stefan
Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, Munich D-80336, Germany.
Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Protection, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Pfarrstr. 3, Munich D-80538, Germany.
Ann Work Expo Health. 2025 Jul 15;69(6):665-675. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxaf026.
Heat stress poses a recognized threat to human health. Despite growing evidence, its impact on healthcare workers (HCWs) remains underexplored. This study evaluates occupational heat stress in HCWs, assessing physiological responses and subjective well-being.
Twelve HCWs from a German university hospital were monitored in non-air-conditioned intensive care units (ICU) and non-ICU settings during the summer of 2022 (mean indoor temperature of 26.5 °C) and again in the autumn of the same year or in March 2023 (mean indoor temperature of 23.6 °C). Physiological data (core body temperature, heart rate, and skin temperature) and subjective perceptions were measured using wearable sensors and questionnaires.
In summer, mean core body and skin temperatures were higher by 0.4 °C and 0.3 °C, respectively. ICU workers exhibited higher heart rates and reported greater mental demands, frustration, and discomfort, particularly when using personal protective equipment (PPE). Common symptoms included sweating, fatigue, and headaches.
We observed some evidence suggesting that elevated indoor temperatures and reported PPE usage contribute to increased HCWs' heat strain, which could potentially affect health, safety, and performance. Given the observed trends, we recommend considering cooling vests and revising workplace standards to mitigate heat stress.
热应激对人类健康构成公认的威胁。尽管证据越来越多，但其对医护人员的影响仍未得到充分研究。本研究评估了医护人员的职业热应激情况，评估了生理反应和主观幸福感。
2022年夏季（室内平均温度26.5°C），对德国一家大学医院的12名医护人员在无空调的重症监护病房（ICU）和非ICU环境中进行监测，并于同年秋季或2023年3月（室内平均温度23.6°C）再次进行监测。使用可穿戴传感器和问卷测量生理数据（核心体温、心率和皮肤温度）和主观感受。
夏季，核心体温和皮肤温度的平均值分别高出0.4°C和0.3°C。ICU工作人员心率较高，报告称心理需求、挫折感和不适感更强，尤其是在使用个人防护装备（PPE）时。常见症状包括出汗、疲劳和头痛。
我们观察到一些证据表明，室内温度升高和报告的PPE使用情况会导致医护人员的热应激增加，这可能会潜在地影响健康、安全和工作表现。鉴于观察到的趋势，我们建议考虑使用冷却背心并修订工作场所标准以减轻热应激。
