This is my first blog on a subject that has been a fantasy of mine for over the past 15 years:  Warehousing and mining historical anesthesia clinical and outcomes data for real-time decision support.

I've always imagined a day when a comprehensive and massive data repository could be immediately and automatically accessed to provide the Anesthesiologist with insights into risks as he/she prepares the anesthesia plan.  Imagine relevant medical data for a patient extracted from the hospital, primary care physician and surgeon all bouncing against this warehouse to expose potential risks and alternatives to be considered.  This is the ultimate end point of what is just now beginning.  A perfect storm has been gathering.  All of the elements to make this a reality are coming together:  Anesthesia electronic records technology that works and financial incentives to implement; political will that recognizes cost reduction equals quality; and most importantly Anesthesiologists taking ownership of the process themselves through the ASA and AQI.

But the first step needs to be taken.  Get educated on the electronic records subject and become a contributing force.  Let's all start talking about AIMS.  Its an important beginning,,,,,and it's about time!