A standard XML Schema for computerised anaesthetic records.

We believe that one of the most influential developments for the practice of anaesthesia in this decade will be the introduction of a national (or possibly international) standard XML Schema for computerised anaesthetic records, and that such development should be actively promoted by appropriate professional groups. We discuss the implications of such a schema, and make suggestions regarding its requirements. We also report on one approach to the development of an XML Schema for anaesthetic records (provisionally named SnowSchema in honour of Dr John Snow), and compare the current version with the suggested requirements.