Warmed blankets: an intervention to promote comfort for elderly hospitalized patients.

A common complaint among hospitalized elderly patients is discomfort related to the cool environment. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effect of the application of a warmed blanket on the level of comfort in elderly hospitalized patients. A sample of 49 older adults who complained of feeling uncomfortable (in pain, being cold, or feeling anxious) were measured on their level of discomfort before and 1 hour after the application of a warm blanket. The level of discomfort after receiving the blanket was significantly less (P <.001).