The anesthetist-computer interface tends to be a problem for the utilization of computer systems for anesthesia. Ergonomic interface design with an emphasis on the coherency of the interface's static and dynamic structure may improve this situation. To investigate this proposition we developed an Anesthesia Information System (AIS) with a touch-sensitive monitor as the hardware-user interface. Basic data input and system control techniques were defined and implemented. Record keeping is integrated into the user interface. Ventilator control from the same interface is an additional feature for laboratory simulations. The system is being evaluated using a technique that simulates live operations. References Anthony J (1982) BAS - A major change coming in delivery. IEEE EMB 1 (1): 36-42 Apple HP, Schneider AJL, Fadel J (1982) Design and evaluation of a semiautomatic anesthesia record system. Med lnstrum 16 (1): 69-71 Arnell WJ, Schultz DG (1983) Computers in anesthesiology - a look ahead. Med Instrum 17 (6): 393-395 Bender HJ, Osswald PM, Hartung HJ, Lutz H (1983) On line - Erfassung haemodynamischer und respiratorischer GraBen in der Anaesthesie.
Anaesth Intensivther Notfallmed 18: 37-40 Cooper JB et al. (1982) A graphics-tablet for data entry in computer assisted recordkeeping Proc.

Assisted by: O. Prakash, H.-J. Hartung, H.J. Bender