A micro-computerized anaesthetic record system

An anesthetic record system has been implemented using a micro-computer, rather than a larger computer system. The record system provides a wide range of functions, including record retrieval, random record processing, and the generation of graphical reports on the department's operating room performance. The steps taken in realizing this system are described, with emphasis on the preparatory decisions that must be made before computer programming can be undertaken. Adopting a modest straightforward design philosophy is shown to be an important pre-requisite to success.