An evaluation of an automated anesthesia record keeping system

Mayo Clinic makes use of an automated anesthesia record keeping system in its cardiovascular operating rooms. Over 20,000 anesthesia records have been recorded with this system since its installation in 1983. How successful is this system? Does it meet the needs of the anesthesiologist? What are their attitudes towards the computer? A questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit the experiences, opinions, and recommendations of the users of this system. The results are described in this paper. The feedback will be used to determine the tasks and their priority for improving the current system, and to define the requirements for future computerization to meet the needs of the anesthesiologist in the operating room.