Tools and Considerations to Develop the Blueprint for the Next Generation of Clinical Care Technology

This article provides a brief historical look at the genesis and evolution of clinical information systems. Based upon this historical background and the expertise of the authors, which encompasses, clinical, IT/cybersecurity, clinical engineering, as well as quality control expertise the article provides a roadmap for the next generation of clinical information systems. This next generation will not only provide consulting services to physicians via computer clinical decision support systems, but also the ability to perform autonomous and semi-autonomous care at the bedside via interfaces to medical devices (e.g. ventilators and infusion pumps), as well as auto ordering protocols.