Determinants of success for computerized clinical decision support systems integrated in CPOE systems: a systematic review

Abstract

We carried out a systematic review of published trials to identify the methodological characteristics of studies and technical characteristics of computerized clinical decision support systems (CCDSSs) associated with efficacy for the main outcome of the study. Four characteristics of the content of decision support and the way in which the user is provided with assistance seem to be associated with the success of CCDSSs: a) System-initiated interventions, b) Assistance without user control over output, c) Systems in which data are automatically retrieved from the electronic medical record and d) Systems providing corollary actions in CPOE. Major differences in outcome reporting between studies could be reduced by the use of dedicated tools to standardize methodological reporting.