Best Practices for Implementation of Clinical Decision Support

Author(s):  
Richard N. Shiffman
10.2196/19676 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. e19676
Author(s):  
Katy E Trinkley ◽  
Michael G Kahn ◽  
Tellen D Bennett ◽  
Russell E Glasgow ◽  
Heather Haugen ◽  
...  

Background Clinical decision support (CDS) design best practices are intended to provide a narrative representation of factors that influence the success of CDS tools. However, they provide incomplete direction on evidence-based implementation principles. Objective This study aims to describe an integrated approach toward applying an existing implementation science (IS) framework with CDS design best practices to improve the effectiveness, sustainability, and reproducibility of CDS implementations. Methods We selected the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) IS framework. We identified areas where PRISM and CDS design best practices complemented each other and defined methods to address each. Lessons learned from applying these methods were then used to further refine the integrated approach. Results Our integrated approach to applying PRISM with CDS design best practices consists of 5 key phases that iteratively interact and inform each other: multilevel stakeholder engagement, designing the CDS, design and usability testing, thoughtful deployment, and performance evaluation and maintenance. The approach is led by a dedicated implementation team that includes clinical informatics and analyst builder expertise. Conclusions Integrating PRISM with CDS design best practices extends user-centered design and accounts for the multilevel, interacting, and dynamic factors that influence CDS implementation in health care. Integrating PRISM with CDS design best practices synthesizes the many known contextual factors that can influence the success of CDS tools, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and sustainability of CDS implementations. Others can adapt this approach to their situation to maximize and sustain CDS implementation success.


2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (01) ◽  
pp. 120-127
Author(s):  
A. Wright ◽  
R. N. Shiffman

Summary Background: Clinical decision support (CDS) is a key tool for enabling evidence-based medicine and improving the quality of healthcare. However, effective CDS faces a variety of challenges, including those relating to knowledge synthesis, capture, transformation, localization and maintenance. If not properly addressed, these challenges can limit the effectiveness of CDS, and potentially risk inaccurate or inappropriate interventions to clinicians. Objectives: (1) To describe an approach to CDS development using evidence as a basis for clinical decision support systems that promote effective care; (2) To review recent evidence regarding the effectiveness of selected clinical decision support systems. Method: Review and analysis of recent literature with identification of trends and best practices. Results: The state-of-the-art in CDS has advanced significantly, and many recent trials have shown CDS to be effective, although the results are mixed overall. Issues related to knowledge capture and synthesis, problems in knowledge transformation at the interface between knowledge authors and CDS developers, and problems specific to local CDS design and implementation can interfere with CDS development. Best practices, tools and techniques to manage them are described. Conclusions: CDS, when used well, can be effective, but further research is needed for it to reach its full potential.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy E Trinkley ◽  
Michael G Kahn ◽  
Tellen D Bennett ◽  
Russell E Glasgow ◽  
Heather Haugen ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Clinical decision support (CDS) design best practices are intended to provide a narrative representation of factors that influence the success of CDS tools. However, they provide incomplete direction on evidence-based implementation principles. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe an integrated approach toward applying an existing implementation science (IS) framework with CDS design best practices to improve the effectiveness, sustainability, and reproducibility of CDS implementations. METHODS We selected the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) IS framework. We identified areas where PRISM and CDS design best practices complemented each other and defined methods to address each. Lessons learned from applying these methods were then used to further refine the integrated approach. RESULTS Our integrated approach to applying PRISM with CDS design best practices consists of 5 key phases that iteratively interact and inform each other: multilevel stakeholder engagement, designing the CDS, design and usability testing, thoughtful deployment, and performance evaluation and maintenance. The approach is led by a dedicated implementation team that includes clinical informatics and analyst builder expertise. CONCLUSIONS Integrating PRISM with CDS design best practices extends user-centered design and accounts for the multilevel, interacting, and dynamic factors that influence CDS implementation in health care. Integrating PRISM with CDS design best practices synthesizes the many known contextual factors that can influence the success of CDS tools, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and sustainability of CDS implementations. Others can adapt this approach to their situation to maximize and sustain CDS implementation success.


2010 ◽  
Vol 01 (03) ◽  
pp. 331-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shobha Phansalkar ◽  
Meryl Bloomrosen ◽  
Robert Jenders ◽  
Anne Bobb ◽  
John Halamka ◽  
...  

Summary Background: Evidence demonstrates that clinical decision support (CDS) is a powerful tool for improving healthcare quality and ensuring patient safety. However, implementing and maintaining effective decision support interventions presents multiple technical and organizational challenges. Purpose: To identify best practices for CDS, using the domain of preventive care reminders as an example. Methods: We assembled a panel of experts in CDS and held a series of facilitated online and in-person discussions. We analyzed the results of these discussions using a grounded theory method to elicit themes and best practices. Results: Eight best practice themes were identified as important: deliver CDS in the most appropriate ways, develop effective governance structures, consider use of incentives, be aware of workflow, keep content current, monitor and evaluate impact, maintain high quality data, and consider sharing content. Keys themes within each of these areas were also described. Conclusion: Successful implementation of CDS requires consideration of both technical and socio-technical factors. The themes identified in this study provide guidance on crucial factors that need consideration when CDS is implemented across healthcare settings. These best practice themes may be useful for developers, implementers, and users of decision support.


10.2196/24359 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e24359
Author(s):  
Katy E Trinkley ◽  
Miranda E Kroehl ◽  
Michael G Kahn ◽  
Larry A Allen ◽  
Tellen D Bennett ◽  
...  

Background Limited consideration of clinical decision support (CDS) design best practices, such as a user-centered design, is often cited as a key barrier to CDS adoption and effectiveness. The application of CDS best practices is resource intensive; thus, institutions often rely on commercially available CDS tools that are created to meet the generalized needs of many institutions and are not user centered. Beyond resource availability, insufficient guidance on how to address key aspects of implementation, such as contextual factors, may also limit the application of CDS best practices. An implementation science (IS) framework could provide needed guidance and increase the reproducibility of CDS implementations. Objective This study aims to compare the effectiveness of an enhanced CDS tool informed by CDS best practices and an IS framework with a generic, commercially available CDS tool. Methods We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. An IS-enhanced and commercial CDS alert were compared in a cluster randomized trial across 28 primary care clinics. Both alerts aimed to improve beta-blocker prescribing for heart failure. The enhanced alert was informed by CDS best practices and the Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM) IS framework, whereas the commercial alert followed vendor-supplied specifications. Following PRISM, the enhanced alert was informed by iterative, multilevel stakeholder input and the dynamic interactions of the internal and external environment. Outcomes aligned with PRISM’s evaluation measures, including patient reach, clinician adoption, and changes in prescribing behavior. Clinicians exposed to each alert were interviewed to identify design features that might influence adoption. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results Between March 15 and August 23, 2019, the enhanced alert fired for 61 patients (106 alerts, 87 clinicians) and the commercial alert fired for 26 patients (59 alerts, 31 clinicians). The adoption and effectiveness of the enhanced alert were significantly higher than those of the commercial alert (62% vs 29% alerts adopted, P<.001; 14% vs 0% changed prescribing, P=.006). Of the 21 clinicians interviewed, most stated that they preferred the enhanced alert. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that applying CDS best practices with an IS framework to create CDS tools improves implementation success compared with a commercially available tool. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04028557; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04028557


2010 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 68-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Levick ◽  
R. Schreiber ◽  
J. Graham

SummaryClinical decision support that provides enhanced patient safety at the point of care frequently encounters significant pushback from clinicians who find the process intrusive or time-consuming. We present a hypothetical medical center’s dilemma about its allergy alerting system and discuss similar problems faced by real hospitals. We then share some lessons learned and best practices for institutions who wish to implement these tools themselves.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy E Trinkley ◽  
Miranda E Kroehl ◽  
Michael G Kahn ◽  
Larry A Allen ◽  
Tellen D Bennett ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Limited consideration of clinical decision support (CDS) design best practices, such as a user-centered design, is often cited as a key barrier to CDS adoption and effectiveness. The application of CDS best practices is resource intensive; thus, institutions often rely on commercially available CDS tools that are created to meet the generalized needs of many institutions and are not user centered. Beyond resource availability, insufficient guidance on how to address key aspects of implementation, such as contextual factors, may also limit the application of CDS best practices. An implementation science (IS) framework could provide needed guidance and increase the reproducibility of CDS implementations. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare the effectiveness of an enhanced CDS tool informed by CDS best practices and an IS framework with a generic, commercially available CDS tool. METHODS We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. An IS-enhanced and commercial CDS alert were compared in a cluster randomized trial across 28 primary care clinics. Both alerts aimed to improve beta-blocker prescribing for heart failure. The enhanced alert was informed by CDS best practices and the Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM) IS framework, whereas the commercial alert followed vendor-supplied specifications. Following PRISM, the enhanced alert was informed by iterative, multilevel stakeholder input and the dynamic interactions of the internal and external environment. Outcomes aligned with PRISM’s evaluation measures, including patient reach, clinician adoption, and changes in prescribing behavior. Clinicians exposed to each alert were interviewed to identify design features that might influence adoption. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS Between March 15 and August 23, 2019, the enhanced alert fired for 61 patients (106 alerts, 87 clinicians) and the commercial alert fired for 26 patients (59 alerts, 31 clinicians). The adoption and effectiveness of the enhanced alert were significantly higher than those of the commercial alert (62% vs 29% alerts adopted, <i>P</i>&lt;.001; 14% vs 0% changed prescribing, <i>P</i>=.006). Of the 21 clinicians interviewed, most stated that they preferred the enhanced alert. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that applying CDS best practices with an IS framework to create CDS tools improves implementation success compared with a commercially available tool. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04028557; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04028557


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