An assessment of a point-of-care information system for the anesthesia provider in simulated malignant hyperthermia crisis.

Abstract

In this prospective, controlled study we compared the ability of anesthesia residents to diagnose and treat a simulated malignant hyperthermia (MH) scenario with and without the ability to use the On-Line Electronic Help (OLEH) information system or any other written guidelines. The OLEH is a point-of-care information system for the anesthesia provider in the operating room. The score for MH treatment after diagnosis based on clinical actions was significantly higher (P = 0.018) in the OLEH-user group (21.5 +/- 4.9) compared with a control group (15.5 +/- 7.6). This study demonstrates the possible value of a point-of-care information system in patient care; however, the significance of the results may be limited by the participants' anticipation of an acute event during training requiring the use of the OLEH.