Teaching Computer Skills in Anesthesia

The authors describe the effects of a structured orientation program on the use of a computerized anesthesia data acquisition system (COMANDAS). Following introduction of COMANDAS into the operating rooms, trainees were instructed on a one-to-one basis using experienced staff anesthetists. Difficulties with acceptance of the system were shown by a case utilization rate of less than 50% and a computer charting time which was nearly double the time required for manual charting. A structured orientation program was then developed, including a well-defined curriculum. This resulted in a utilization rate of over 90%. New trainees time to chart using the computer was not significantly different than the time for manual charting.