Design principles of a computer system for intensive care situations

This paper considers the data handling aspects of a computer system for routine use in an intensive care situation. A distinction is made between the display of continuous analogue signals (monitoring) and the extraction of clinical values from the signals (measurement). Data acquisition is examined, with a comparison between central multiplexing and local processing as a means of extracting clinical values. Preprocessing, data storage and main processing are discussed with an emphasis on cost reduction. Display requirements are outlined and currently available means of implementation compared. An overall design philosophy is proposed and a typical cost distribution suggested.