The role of technology and medical devices in enhancing pediatric cardiac critical care outcomes

Abstract

Medical technologies of all types are ubiquitous in pediatric cardiac critical care. Despite the widespread use of technology in the PICU there is a paucity of evidence directly linking these technologies to improved outcomes. This chapter first places technology in the larger context of healthcare systems. It further explores the evidence for technologies ranging from electrocardiograms to mechanical support and electronic health records. Additional attention is given to special topics of the impact of alarms and alerts, as well as the role of technology in human cognition.