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Computers in Intensive Care

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The Organization of Critical Care

Part of the book series: Respiratory Medicine ((RM,volume 18))

Abstract

The intensive care unit is a data-rich environment where the physician may have difficulty accessing and processing the large amount of data generated by each patient. Incomplete access to all clinical information can result in suboptimal clinical decision making. A computerized clinical information systems (CIS) can enhance ICU management in a number of ways. These include the provision of complete but appropriately filtered information at the bedside, reduction in drug errors and the use of intelligent alarms for the early identification of deteriorating patients. Electronic reminders can improve compliance with guidelines, and more sophisticated decision support systems may provide patient-specific management guidance. An easily accessible and usable interface with the CIS is essential, and various mobile and context-aware systems are being developed. Several barriers to implementation exist, including financial constraints and poor acceptance among clinicians for this cultural change.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Intensive Care Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital, # 18-214, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1X5

    Stephen E. Lapinsky

  2. Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Department of Medicine, and Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5R 0A3

    Stephen E. Lapinsky

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  1. Stephen E. Lapinsky
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Correspondence to Stephen E. Lapinsky .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Damon C. Scales

  2. Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Gordon D. Rubenfeld

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Lapinsky, S.E. (2014). Computers in Intensive Care. In: Scales, D., Rubenfeld, G. (eds) The Organization of Critical Care. Respiratory Medicine, vol 18. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0811-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0811-0_5

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