Despite the profusion of artificial intelligence technology in the 1980s,
the accuracy of Gordon Moore's
prediction
of exponential growth in computational
power, and the availability of sophisticated low-cost
consumer electronics,
clinical monitoring systems remain inadequate to ensure safe and effective
monitoring
of patients at risk of cardiopulmonary
instability. As a result,
the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations designated
the improvement
of the effectiveness of clinical alarm systems as one
of the
six 2003 National Patient Safety Goals. We will examine the hurdles
that have
delayed the development
of a real Star Trek Sick Bay, and introduce work in
progress on a wearable Life Signs Detection system.