Clinical audit of an intensive care unit.

A computer-based data storage and analysis system has been used to examine data obtained from 1257 patients admitted to an intensive care unit. The system readily provides administrative and clinical information which can be used to assess the workload, therapeutic efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such a unit. As the data-based expands, we expect that we will be able to identify sensitive predictors fo both complications and mortality and thereby permit the more efficient use of intensive therapy.