Critical care clinics
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With rapidly increasing processing power, networks, and bandwidth, we have ever more powerful tools for ICU computing. The challenge is to use these tools to build on the work of the Innovators and Early Adopters, who pioneered the first three generations of systems, and extend computing to the Majority, who still rely on paper. ⋯ When these preconditions are met, the promise of computing will be realized, perhaps with the upcoming fourth-generation systems. ICU computing can then finally cross the chasm and become the standard of care.
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The transport environment presents challenges not faced in the hospital arena. Both ground and air ambulance transport vehicles are hampered by space limitations, lack of universally available power, and physical forces of no importance in the stationary hospital environment. ⋯ Prior planning and understanding the limitations of the transport arena are the keys to successful transport. The future will likely see improvements in technology and integration of hospital delivery systems and patient management systems, expanding our ability to provide critical care outside the traditional ICU environment.