The handheld computer in critical care medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Computer Science in Medicine
• Critical Care Technology

Background:

• Programmable pocket calculators are often underestimated for their computational power.
• Modern calculators possess significant memory and mathematical capabilities, functioning as user-friendly microcomputers.
• Access to advanced computing in healthcare is typically concentrated in large medical centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To showcase the potential of programmable pocket calculators in critical care settings.
• To present a comprehensive suite of critical care programs for these devices.
• To demonstrate the widespread availability of advanced computational support in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Development of a series of critical care programs for programmable pocket calculators.
• Evaluation of the memory capacity and mathematical sophistication of the newest generation of calculators.
• Testing the user-friendliness and applicability of the calculator-based software.

Main Results:

• The presented programs represent the most comprehensive microcomputer software package for calculators reported to date.
• The calculators demonstrated impressive memory capacity and high-level mathematical sophistication.
• The software proved effective in supporting critical care decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Programmable pocket calculators offer a viable and accessible platform for advanced computational support in critical care.
• High-level mathematical capabilities are now attainable in diverse healthcare settings, not limited to large institutions.
• This technology democratizes access to sophisticated medical computing resources.