Computer systems for facilitating management of the critically ill

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The Shock Research Unit has utilized computer technology for critical care since 1961.
• Early exploration involved a process control computer (IBM 1710) for patient monitoring.
• Current systems employ a Xerox Sigma-5 computer for comprehensive physiological signal monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the evolution and application of computer technology in critical care.
• To describe an automated system for monitoring critically ill patients.
• To highlight advancements in data acquisition, analysis, and patient record management.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Xerox Sigma-5 computer for real-time monitoring of EKG, hemodynamic, respiratory, and biochemical signals.
• Implementing electronic preprocessing for efficient data acquisition and signal analysis.
• Automating clinical functions such as catheter flushing, calibration, urine collection, and fluid/medication infusion.

Main Results:

• Enhanced efficiency and speed in data acquisition and signal analysis through electronic preprocessing.
• Development of bedside displays for tabular and graphic summaries of patient status and trends.
• Establishment of a computer-accessible archive for patient files and automated clinical operations.

Conclusions:

• The implemented computer system facilitates clinical operations through automation of afferent and efferent functions.
• Future developments aim for feedback control of ventilators and automated medication/fluid infusion based on real-time data.
• Advanced automation and medical intelligence promise more potent and cost-effective critical care systems.