Affiliation:
1. Duke University School of Medicine, USA
2. Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
Abstract
This chapter discusses the critical role of anesthesia information management systems (AIMS) in clinical tracking and operating room information management. It begins by reviewing the history and implementation of such systems and examines their current abilities and utilities. The current known benefits of AIMS, as documented by peer-reviewed literature, are examined. Possible additional benefits, both future and current, and the potential role of AIMS in future healthcare information management are discussed. Though AIMS vary greatly between individual systems and will continue to evolve over time, this chapter aims to highlight fundamental system features. The goal of this chapter is to broaden understanding of AIMS and their clinical utility, as they have an essential part of modern operative care.