Computer systems for facilitating management of the critically ill.

The Shock Research Unit has applied computer technology to the care of the critically ill and injured patient since 1961. The requirements for patient monitoring were initially explored with a process control computer (IBM) 1710). In the current system, a Xerox Sigma-5 computer is utilized for monitoring EKG, hemodynamic, respiratory, and biochemical signals. Electronic preprocessing increases the efficiency and speed of data acquisition and signal analysis. Provisions are made for recording narrative data as part of a commitment to evolve an automated patient record. Bedside displays include both tabular and graphic summaries of patient status and trends. A computer accessible archive of patient files is maintained. Clinical operation of the system has been facilitated by automation of afferent and efferent functions including flushing of catheters, servo-calibration of pressure measuring systems, automated urine collection and disposal, and computer controlled infusion of fluids and medications. We anticipate the continuing development of automated afferent and efferent components for feedback control of ventilators by automated sampling and measurement of arterial blood gases and infusion of fluids and medications in response to changes in monitored hemodynamic variables. Such automation, together with medical intelligence for priority alarms and interpretive displays, hold promise of increasingly potent and cost-effective systems to facilitate and improve care of the critically ill or injured patient.