A computerized intensive care unit order-writing protocol.
OBJECTIVE
To present a computerized intensive care unit order-writing protocol.


METHODS
Descriptive report.


METHODS
Eight-bed surgical intensive care unit, Department of Surgery, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY.


METHODS
IBM-based, computer network program that provides user-friendly, logical, and comprehensive organ-system order sequences for patient management.


RESULTS
Since July 1988, an order program that stresses (1) improved and more efficient patient care, (2) the use of program-integrated automatic safety features, (3) the substitution of computer entry for handwriting, and (4) the assurance that physicians deliver obligatory care in a logical organ-system-based progression has been implemented.


CONCLUSIONS
The order protocol system presented is simple to introduce and operate, has minimal training and technical requirements, and is demonstrably reliable.
Halpern
N A
NA
Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Bronx, NY 10468.
Thompson
R E
RE
Greenstein
R J
RJ
D016494:Computer Security; D003422:Critical Care; D003626:Data Display; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000592:standards*; D004360:Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008122:Local Area Networks; D009519:New York City; D012984:Software