SIS has developed StatCom, a Web browser-based software application that makes it possible to instantly communicate the status of a case or staff member, or the location of a patient or important equipment. Using StatCom, OR pros can immediately both send and receive information, regardless of location, using both static and mobile electronic displays.

Medical pros can enter information into the StatCom database through a variety of electronic devices, including PDAs and existing hospital systems. When integrated with the Surgical Information Systems application, StatCom becomes even more efficient, as status information is automatically created and sent to StatCom as a by-product of clinical documentation.

Hospitals using StatCom can then display this information on a large plasma monitor, PDA or individual PC, and can also share the information with enterprise interfaces to clinical and administrative systems. A sophisticated messaging and rules engine allows information to be communicated immediately to staff via instant messages sent to cell phones, PDAs and e-mail accounts. The system provides easy access to information at every phase of a patient's care.

StatCom can also be used by families, as it can display the current status of a patient via a screen in the waiting room. Patient privacy is maintained by using assigned case codes to identify a patient, rather than the patient's name.

StatCom runs on a Microsoft Windows- or Unix-based operating system, and has an open architecture that is tied into an Oracle database. The system includes modules for case and staff scheduling, materials management, rules-based charging, PAT (pre-admission testing), pre-op, intra-op, anesthesia and PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) documentation, and Surgeon's Notes.

SIS partnered with the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans in developing StatCom. Ochsner officially launched StatCom within its surgery department on April 15th.

Bob Woods is the managing editor of InstantMessagingPlanet.