Benefits measurement from the use of an automated anaesthetic record keeping system (AARK

HYPOTHESIS: Automated Anaesthetic Record Keeping Systems (AARKs) can reduce clinician recording time, are easy-to-use and produce clearer, more accurate records than a manual system. BACKGROUND: Studies over the last twenty years have identified potential benefits from the use of Automated Anaesthetic Record-Keeping systems, but have not proved the benefits. A review of the literature indicates that AARKs have been in use for many years and have progressively improved specifically in terms of their usability. Advances in technology have improved the usabil-ity and the measurability of AARK systems. This study, conducted by Communio Pty. Ltd. at two Queensland Health (QH) hospitals measures critical changes resulting from the introduction of Winchart (by Medtel Australia) into the perioperative environment. This system is designed to cap-ture clinical information from patient monitoring equipment and other devices, in addition to clinician input. It uses a state-of-the art touch screen interface for rapid input of data, thus address-ing the anaesthetist-machine interface issues of earlier systems. METHOD: The full study compared the data gained from the set of baseline measurements with the data gained from a set of post-implementation measurements, to provide details of changes, plu