Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are computer-based programs that analyze data
within EHR software to provide prompts and reminders to assist health care providers in implementing evidence-based clinical guidelines at the point of care. For example, clinicians scan for risk factors, flag specific issues, and the system provides information on treatment protocols, prompting questions on medication adherence, and providing tailored recommendations for health behavior changes.
Clinicians are confronted by increasing amounts of clinical data for each patient they treat as well as an exponentially increasing volume of relevant medical research. While electronic health records and databases help physicians manage this rising tide of information, patient-specific recommendations provided by clinical decision support systems can do even more by improving decision making and helping ensure patient safety.
To qualify for inclusion in the Clinical Decision Support Systems category, a product must:
Analyze and visualize input data related to medical treatment decisions
Provide scenario analysis
Integrate with EHRs
Support interdisciplinary teams to reduce clinical variation, improve patient outcomes, and maximize financial performance.
Engage and share decisions with clinicians and stakeholders