Development of an information system to assist management of critically ill patients

The development of a first-generation intensive care unit information system to provide access to recorded patient data is described. A set of integrated modules which process the data and support retrospective review of the data and derived summary information has been completed. This prototyping effort has identified the need for more complex data processing in the second-generation information system. Enhancements include development of computer-based methods to assist with therapy assessment and outcome prediction, and installation of data communication links between the ICU and other sites