Clinical Decision Support Systems

Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are now required to meet HITECH meaningful use for Stage 1. However, these systems have played a role in healthcare for a number of decades. They pair a significant collection of clinical knowledge with the vast amounts of data being collected while providing healthcare services. Information has been collected across the continuum of care from disease investigation, long-term care, and clinical diagnosis. These systems are constantly getting better as they provide better case-level advice to clinicians.

CDSSs can be classified into a few categories. Decision support is where the CDSS is used to provide a treatment plan, a diagnosis, and condition/symptom-specific guidance. Operational efficiencies focus on reducing redundant tests, reducing medication errors, possibly changing treatment plans, and reducing unnecessary lab work.