Embedding clinical decision support in the electronic health record: best practice and lessons learned

There is considerable evidence that embedding clinical decision support within an electronic health record delivers important benefits including improved quality of care and increased efficiency and productivity.

A survey conducted by UpToDate, part of Wolters Kluwer Health, confirmed it is the EHR that tends to drive clinician workflows, so embedding CDS within it makes it much more likely that CDS will be used at the point of care.

At the same time, embedding CDS within the EHR eliminates the need for multiple sign-ins and log-ins, improving efficiency. At it makes it much more likely that clinicians will use the EHR itself, helping to deliver the benefits that should flow from an EHR implementation.

This eBook from Wolters Kluwer Health looks at the benefits, and also considers best practice when it comes to embedding CDS within the EHR. For example, it says it is important to have a ‘champion’ to spearhead awareness, adequate training; and as few clicks as possible.