Computerised clinical decision support systems and absolute improvements in care: meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Review (108 studies; n=1,203,053 ) found most interventions with clinical decision support systems appear to achieve small/moderate improvements in targeted processes of care, a finding confirmed by small changes in clinical endpoints in studies reporting them.
Source:
British Medical Journal
SPS commentary:
According to an editorial, the disappointing performance of decision support systems embedded within electronic health records suggests it is time to change approach. It suggest lack of efficacy likely reflects the challenges of developing innovative, safe, and effective clinical decision support systems within commercial electronic health record platforms. It adds that clinical decision support systems will continue to be an area of innovation and research, and their true potential to improve healthcare and patient outcomes will only be realized if it is established what does not work, as well as looking for what does.