title: A data acquisition system for clinical research.
abstract: We developed a system for automatic collection and synchronization of multiple physiological variables during clinical investigations. Centered around an eight-track instrumentation tape recorder, the system solves several problems encountered in gathering this type of research data: (1) slowly changing variables are digitized and compressed onto a single track by recording them in one serial message, allowing for recording many more variables than there are tape tracks available; (2) simultaneous analog recording allows retention of original data for variables that may be processed subsequently by multiple schemes; (3) data acquisition is verified with both analog chart recording and numerical video display monitors; (4) off-line computer processing time is decreased at least twofold by using tape playback speeds faster than the recording speed; (5) cost is kept low by using an inexpensive 1/4-inch (0.64-cm) tape medium and dedicated microcomputers; and (6) the system is unobtrusive, portable, and easily reconfigured for different clinical studies. It proved to be reliable in a study of more than 80 patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003625:Data Collection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003626:Data Display; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D009862:Online Systems / Q000295:instrumentation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013637:Tape Recording / Q000295:instrumentation