Abstract
The long-term aim in the INFORM Project is to develop, evaluate and implement a new generation of Information Systems for hospital High Dependency Environments (HDE — Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Units, Burns Units, Operating and Recovery Rooms, and other specialised areas). The distinguishing feature of the HDE is the very large amount of data that is collected through monitors and paper records about the state of critically ill patients; this has made the role of the staff a technical one in addition to a caring one. The INFORM System will integrate Decision Support with on-line, off-line and observed patient data and, in addition, will incorporate and integrate unit management features.
In the Exploratory Phase of the Project, functional requirements have been set out. These are based on four components: conceptual model of the HDE; evaluation of existing HDE Information Systems; development of a novel software architecture using a Knowledge-Based Systems (KBS) methodology, and based on a critical review of KBS applied to the HDE; monitoring of appropriate leading-edge technological developments.
The conceptual model has two components: a patient-related information model, and a department-related cost model. The patient-related model is identifying key and difficult areas of decision making. A key aspect of INFORM is integration of clinical Decision Support for these areas into the Information System through a layered software architecture. The lower layers are concerned with monitoring and alarming and the higher levels with patient assessment and therapy planning. The functionality and interconnection of these layers are being determined.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ambroso C, Bowes C, Chambrin M-C, Gilhooly K, Green C, Kari A, et al. INFORM: European survey of computers in intensive care units. (Information technology in anaesthesia, critical care and cardiopulmonary medicine, 1990). Int J Clin Monit Comput. In press.
East TD, Henderson S, Morris AH, Gardner RM. Implementation issues and challenges for computerized clinical protocols for management of mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients. SCAMC 1989; 13: 583–7.
Hunter J, Chambrin M-C, Collinson P, Hedlund A, Groth T, Kalli S, et al. INFORM: Integrated decision support in intensive care. (Information technology in anaesthesia, critical care and cardiopulmonary medicine, 1990). Int J Clin Monit Comput 1991; 8(3):189–99.
Kalli S, Ambroso C, Gregory R, Heikela A, Ilomaki A, Leaning M, et al. INFORM: Conceptual Modelling. (Information technology in anaesthesia, critical care and cardiopulmonary medicine, 1990). Int J Clin Monit Comput. In press.
Pryor TA. Development of decision support systems. Int J Clin Monit Comput 1990; 7: 137–46.
Shabot MM, LoBue M, Leyerle BJ, Dubin S. Decision support alerts for clinical laboratory and blood gas data. Int J Clin Monit Comput 1990; 7: 27–32.
Sittig DF, Gardner RM, Morris AH, Wallace CJ. Clinical evaluation of computer-based respiratory care algorithms. Int J Clin Monit Comput 1990; 7: 177–85.
Sittig DF, Pace NL, Gardner RM, Beck E, Morris AH. Implementation of a computerised patient advice system using the HELP clinical information system. Comp Biomed Res 1989; 22: 474–87.
Wielinga BJ, Schreiber G, de Greef P. KADS Synthesis report. Deliverable Y3: ESPRIT Project P1098. University of Amsterdam, 1989.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bowes, C.L., Ambroso, C., Carson, E.R. et al. INFORM: Development of information management and decision support systems for high dependency environments. J Clin Monit Comput 8, 295–301 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01739131
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01739131