Barriers and Enablers to Using a Mobile App–Based Clinical Decision Support System in Managing Perioperative Adverse Events Among Anesthesia Providers: Cross-Sectional Survey in China

Abstract

Background: Perioperative adverse events (PAEs) pose a substantial global health burden, contributing to elevated morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. The adoption of clinical decision support systems (CDSS), particularly mobile-based solutions, offers a promising avenue to address these challenges. However, successful implementation hinges on understanding anesthesia providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to embrace such technologies. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of Chinese anesthesia professionals to adopt a mobile CDSS for PAE management, and to identify key factors influencing its implementation. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among anesthesia providers in China from September 5 to December 31, 2023. Participants included anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, who play pivotal roles in perioperative care. A 51-item questionnaire, structured around the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework, was distributed via WeChat through professional anesthesia associations. The questionnaire covered four domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) knowledge assessment, (3) attitude evaluation, and (4) practice willingness. Multivariable regression analyses identified predictors of KAP outcomes, with sensitivity analyses focusing on nurse anesthetists. Results: The study included 2440 anesthesia professionals (2226 anesthesiologists and 214 nurse anesthetists). Overall, 87.3% (2130/2440) expressed willingness to adopt the CDSS, with 87.5% (1947/2226) of anesthesiologists and 85.5% (183/214) of nurse anesthetists showing readiness. However, only 39.2% (956/2440) were satisfied with existing incident management systems. Key findings indicated that higher knowledge scores were associated with female gender (coefficient=0.19, P=.003), advanced education, and lack of previous informatics experience (coefficient=0.29, P