A clinical decision support needs assessment of community-based physicians

This article was to conduct an assessment on community based physicians and their views on clinical decision support and the desired capabilities that could assist physicians in the future in community based practices by Joshua E Richardson and Joan S. Ash.

Abstract

The authors wanted to conduct an assessment with community based physicians on their views of clinical decision support and expectations. This information could be useful in the development and design of future clinical decision support.

Methods

The authors designed this study around aspects of human-computer interaction framework. They analyzed the data using the grounded theory method. They had 2 research questions (1) How do community-based physicians conceptualize CDS? (2) What do community-based physicians need from CDS?

Results

The authors did interviews and observation in 15 urban and rural community-based clinics over 2 months in 2010. the participants were familiar with CDS functions and adept at describing their understanding of what is and what is not CDS.

Discussion

Physicians identified different aspects that needed more work such as medication administration and treatment and cognitive decision-making that would enhance relationships and interactions with the patient and staff.

Conclusion

Physicians expressed a need for clinical decision support. To fully meet this the clinical decision support tool must fully integrate the functions that align time and resources to assist the physician in a wide range of decisions.