The P1073 medical information bus

The P1073 medical information bus (MIB) family of three proposed IEEE standards, which provide vendor-independent interconnection and interoperability of medical devices and computer systems, is described. The MIB uses a layered network architecture that is compatible with International Standards Organization/Open Systems Interconnection (ISO/OSI) specifications. The standards primarily focus on the acute care environment at the patient's bedside, particularly when this environment is in the intensive care area of the hospital. However, the MIB is suitable for use in other areas such as the operating room or the general ward. The bus can also interface to any general clinical equipment for simple data communication and control purposes.< >