The Microcomputer for Operating Room Infection Surveillance

The operating room is most amenable to computerization from several points of view. The statistics generated in the operating theatre are immense and are necessary for health care workers at many levels (Johnson, 1983). In the operating room a computer can be used to a) provide information regarding surgical procedures to members of the health care team -- ie, residents, surgeons and nursing staff; b) monitor infections and personnel within the operating theatre; c) establish a system to control inventory, equipment maintenance and staff scheduling; d) ensure rapid, accurate records for annual reports, hospital certification committees and Royal College accreditation committees; e) improve operating room scheduling and distribution of O.R. slating; f) assist administration personnel in budget planning and forecasting; and g) assist in billing.