Metaphor graphics to support integrated decision making with respiratory data

Support for data integration in the intensive care unit (ICU) often includes efforts to improve the display of data. An electronic version of a flowsheet (table of numbers) with optimal line graphs is by far the most common format in current ICU computer workstation technology, yet there is little evidence that this format provides particularly good support for human integration of data. The present work introduces a new form of graphic representation, one that is far more metaphoric, far more tailored to the intensive care unit than a line graph. This graphic system, called volume rectangles represents mechanical ventilator data in such a way that is easy to keep different types of variables conceptually separated, yet easy to see how they relate in a truly integrated way. Volume rectangles are one example of a general approach to display of data called the metaphor graphic approach, which is being evaluated in this and other contexts. Metaphor graphics are custom tailored visual displays designed to look like the real world situation from which the data is collected but not in a literal sense of 'look like'. Anecdotal observation suggests that such graphics are easy to learn, are remembered over long period, and are good decision support tools when the task is finding patterns in a mass of data.