A method and apparatus (100) for providing continuous analysis and display ofthe variability of multiple patient parameters monitored by multiple bedsidemonitors (106a-106c) for each patient (102). Each monitor is connected to apatient interface and to a patient data storage unit (115) and a processor(113). Each monitored patient parameter is measured in real-time. Dataartifacts are removed, and variability analysis is performed based upon aselected period of observation. Variability analysis yields variability of thepatient parameters, which represents a degree to which the patient parametersfluctuate over time, to provide diagnostic information particularly useful inthe detection, prevention and treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).
