The Evaluation of a Pulmonary Graphical Display in the Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Feasibility Study

Salt Lake Community College

How a new graphical monitor such as the pulmonary display will be integrated and accepted by the users is an important step when introducing new information and technology in the ICU. We developed a pulmonary display that depicts pulmonary information for an intubated, mechanically ventilated patient. This study observed caregivers attending ICU patients in the presence of the pulmonary display. Attendings observed the pulmonary display an average of 3 times per visit whereas nurses glanced at it at least once per visit. The pulmonary display showed distinct patterns demonstrating the changing underlying pulmonary physiology. Based on analysis of questionnaires, the pulmonary display was perceived as useful information, a desirable addition to the current ICU monitors, and an accurate representation of patient pulmonary information.