Computer applications in the intensive care unit.

Incorporating computers into all aspects of daily ICU operations is a formidable task both technically and logistically. To coordinate a project as complex as this, it is imperative to achieve close cooperation between physicians, nurses, basic scientists, computer specialists, hospital administrators, and equipment manufacturers. In this article, we have provided a blueprint and have discussed the implementation of a COmputational Model of PATient Health Status (COMPATHS) designed to carry out such integration.