Implementation of an electronic patient data management system (PDMS) on an intensive care unit (ICU).

Implementation of a data management system on an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) needs a good organisation. The expectations and the specifications of the system should be defined and clear before the process is started. Analysis of produced data of communication and information pathways on the ICU is necessary. A complete system should include data acquisition, data base management and archiving of data. In our project, the development of these criteria was performed by participation in a national project. Coupling with a hospital information system and the possibility of data exchange is mandatory. We were able to implement a paperless patient record. Although it takes more time to do the patients administration with a Patient Data Management System (PDMS), medical personal seem to be better informed. Readable information is easy to access at the bedside of the patient.