Maximal use of microcomputers in anesthesiology

Microcomputer applications in anesthesiology are increasing rapidly. All areas are affected: research, education, administration and clinical care. In research, microcomputers are accomplishing both process control and analysis, as well as storage of large data banks. In education, computer-aided instruction permits the student to progress at his own speed, while freeing instructor time for individual tutoring. Administrative applications produce more useful information and cost-control with reduced clerical effort. clinical applications offer the possibility of truly integrated monitoring systems that will make automated anesthesia records possible; eventually this will lead to computer-controlled anesthesia. This paper examines the "state of the art" in applications of microcomputers in anesthesia.