The Benefits and Concerns Surrounding the Automation of Clinical Guidelines

Abstract

Automated guidelines often improve outcomes when applied to simple clinical states. They are more effective when human-computer interaction and workflow changes are considered in implementation. "Alert fatigue" might lead to uneven implementation of guidelines. For complex patients with multiple illnesses, more research should be geared toward the structure and effect of guidelines. Evidentiary uncertainty and complicating comorbid conditions continue to require meticulous incorporation of patient values and physician judgment.