A look at clinical decision support systems

Abstract

Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can use a CDSS to prepare and review a diagnosis as a means of improving patient outcomes. A CDSS needs to be the focal point if meaningful use of ERRs is to realize its potential of better healthcare at lower costs. To achieve this goal, a CDSS needs to deliver relevant medical practice information at the point of care. In some cases, the operational costs of a fully implented CDSS and EDW sytem can be a barrier to adoption. One report indicated that some 74% of those with a CDSS said that the financial viability continues to be a struggle. While that represents a costly learning curve, the expected payoff in healthcare efficiencies and better outcomes would make it worthwhile. All leading indicators and current healthcare industry efforts seem to be pointing in the direction of making use of all the health and clinical data we've been collecting via ERRs. Maybe we're not that far away from the home sick bay idea. Future parent: "Doctor, what's wrong with my child?" DL Hologram: "Nothing at all ma'am, all bio indicators and CDSS reports indicate a clean bill of health with no current maladies. Send him to school!. Copyright © AAMI 2013.