The ability to interface patient monitors directly to a computer, and generate a clinical record has existed for over 20 years. However, the acceptance of comprehensive electronic medical records in anesthesia has been slow to develop. Experts anticipate this reluctance is changing because of enhanced patient care through the use of detailed health information record systems. Anesthesia Informatics provides the health informatician and administrator with a comprehensive overview of this blossoming technology. With contributions from leaders in the field, this user-friendly guide addresses how this technology has enhanced both the need for and the ability to collect and apply data in an acute care setting. It also offers invaluable insight on the business implications and the rationales required to make a purchase decision. Each section outlines need to know information to help the reader with the implementation and utilization of an Anesthesia Information Management System. Useful case scenarios focus on the ideal components (anesthesia record, business rationale, communication, collaboration, and training) of a fully automated record-keeping system.
