Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #153

Abstract Unintended perioperative hypothermia, defined as a core temperature below 36°C, remains a persistent issue in anesthesia practice and is associated with increased surgical complications, prolonged recovery, and decreased patient satisfaction. Evidence strongly supports the use of preoperative forced-air warming as an effective and safe method to maintain normothermia during surgery. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase anesthesia providers’ knowledge and intent to implement prewarming practices through an educational intervention. An evidence-based educational session was delivered to anesthesia providers at a community hospital in southeastern Alabama. The session summarized the physiologic rationale and literature supporting prewarming for at least ten minutes before induction of anesthesia. Post-education surveys assessed provider perceptions, knowledge gained, and willingness to adopt prewarming practices.