Abstract
Anesthesiologists function as system monitors and controllers during surgery, with extreme fluctuations in task demand. This study poses a question: can a digital computer, operating in real-time in the surgical environment assist the anesthesiologist with monitoring, data-logging and bookkeeping; and thereby improve patient care? To answer this question, an extensive task analysis of the work of anesthesiologists during coronary artery bypass procedures was undertaken, employing time-lapse cinematography. Activity analysis revealed the extent to which total task demand, as well as particular duties, fluctuate during three phases of the surgery. The feasibility of computer assistance and recommendations for future studies are discussed.
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