Computerized data storage and statistics for intensive care units
Gurman, G.
Harefuah 113(5-6): 103-105
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 3692367 Document Number: 289495
A new computerized system for data storage and statistics for an intensive care unit is presented. The program, written in Pascal for IBM-PC computers, is based on a previously proposed follow-up and problem-oriented sheet already in use in ICUs in this country. The program was developed especially for this purpose (ENCO Ltd.) and includes four main modulates; data collection, patient's up-date file, data presentation and their statistical workup. The storage of data starts when the patient is discharged from the unit and the follow-up sheet is completed. Besides this sheet the only other paper needed for data collection is the DRG list of diagnoses, on which the diagnostic workup is based. The following parameters are included in the patient's file; personal data (age, sex, primary care department), diagnosis on admission, main treatment and monitoring procedures used, vital organs affected, specific and general complications during stay in the unit and final outcome. The statistical workup is able to deliver concentrated data for any of these parameters. Patients can be divided into subgroups according to constraints chosen by the user. Data input, as well as the statistical workup, are presented in a user-friendly manner. We think that the field covered by the proposed program (data storage and their statistical interpretation) could be a fruitful beginning for the computerization of ICUs. Further steps should include automatic vital data collection, providing computational capability and assisting the integration of data as well as in decision-making. These are phases in a natural development of specific units. Till then, the proposed program covers two very important fields and its use is highly recommended.