Events which will influence Intensive Care Units in future

Subtitle: A Delphi study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Friesdorf, Wolfgang^a | Classen, Bernd^b | Konichezky, Sergio^c | Schwilk, Bernhard^d

Affiliations: [a] Institute for Ergonomics and Man-Machine-Systems, Technical University of Berlin, Steinplatz 1, D-10623 Berlin, Germany Tel.: ++49 30 314 79476; Fax: ++49 30 314 79477; Email: wolfgang.friesdorf@ifa.kf.tu-berlin.de | [b] Institute for Ergonomics and Man-Machine-Systems, Technical University of Berlin | [c] Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot 7600, Israel | [d] Department of Anaesthesia, University of Ulm, Germany

Abstract: Objective:To find out and analyse the events which are expected to influence the future of Intensive Care Units (ICU). Design:Three round Delphi study. Setting:In a first preparation round 9 events were defined. In the two rating rounds an international panel of 60 experts (heads of ICUs) estimated the time when the events may come true and whether they are desired or not. Results:Computer tools are desired and expected in the near future (before the year 2000) for audit, quality assurance, record keeping and telecommunication; complex closed loops and nursing robots will not be used in clinical routine before 2005, they are not desired.

Keywords: Forecast, Delphi, Intensive Care Unit, development, technology

DOI: 10.3233/THC-1997-5405

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 319-330, 1997