121: Computer processing of data from newborn infants with respiratory illnesses

Abstract

During a 14-month period, a computerised record-keeping system processed information from 119 babies with respiratory illnesses consecutively admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. FIO₂, PaO₂, PaCO₂ acid-base data, values for continuous positive airway pressure, and mechanical ventilator variables were entered, usually by the medical staff, into the system through a keyboard terminal installed in the unit. This terminal is connected to a remotely sited PDF.11/45 computer which is simultaneously used for other clinical applications. The data are displayed as graphs on 2 television screens attached to the terminal. Displays for up to 6 babies are available at any time. When an infant is discharged, files of data, which include a brief case history, are stored and can be retrieved and plotted at the terminal. Hard-cony graphs and printed summaries are generated at the computer site. A 40% saving of time versus the manual recording of the same data was demonstrated. The system also proved useful for handing-on information when staff changed snift, and for teaching and research purposes.

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