Research Symposium Program - Individual Details
5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Caela Jernigan
BIO
Lauren and Caela are doctoral nurse anesthesia students graduating in May. Lauren has a strong interest in obstetric anesthesia and multimodal anesthetic management. Caela’s clinical interests include pediatric and cardiac anesthesia, as well as multimodal pain management. Together, they are committed to advancing evidence-based anesthesia practice and improving perioperative patient outcomes through research and clinical excellence.
Preoperative Warming Influence within the Perioperative Period
Authors: Caela Jernigan, Dr. Jason SmithStudent Major: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Mentor: Dr. Jason Smith
Mentor's Department: Nurse Anesthesia Mentor's College: College of Applied Studies Co-Presenters: Lauren Emfinger
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.
Keywords: anesthesia, preoperative, warming