Optimizing a computerized intake/output charting system.

A computerized fluid intake/output charting subsystem was developed by Hewlett-Packard for use in their Patient Data Management System (PDMS). Experience gained from two versions (Rel. 6.0 and 7.1) of the PDMS at Phoenix Baptist Hospital have prompted PBH software engineers to make substantial modifications to the vendor's I/O subsystem. The enhancements permit tracking of bottle definition changes and error correction on IV additive entries. Various custom reports were also developed to replace hand-written documentation. Future enhancements considered by PBH include linking the PDMS I/O package to a Pharmacy system to automate the bottle definition process and the automation of fluid volume data collection using interfaces to IV pumps, urine collection devices, etc.