AANA Journal course: new technologies in anesthesia: update for nurse anesthetists--the computer-generated anesthesia record.

This lesson will introduce the anesthetist to computerized anesthesia record keepers, their history, development and current technology. It will identify some of the outstanding advantages and disadvantages of computerized record keepers from both clinical and legal standpoints. Computerized record keepers may not assume charting duties during all anesthetics administered in the United States but they do offer many advantages, especially during difficult cases. As their development continues, they may relieve the anesthetist of some repetitive and distracting tasks while providing clinically useful information and analysis.