A 32 key keyboard for the HP PDMS.

The keyboard remains the primary human interface device for existing patient data management systems. The standard bedside keyboard for the Hewlett-Packard PDMS has 16 keys which are used for both numeric data entry and multiple functions, accessed by shift key combinations. We have designed and constructed a 32 key keyboard which speeds single keystroke access to all PDMS functions. The new keyboard is backwards compatible and requires no PDMS software changes. A 32 key keyboard offers many advantages for use with the HP PDMS. The device presented is backwards compatible with the vendor's keyboard and requires no software changes. This keyboard could serve as an updated functional replacement for thousands of keyboards now in use.