Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are computer-based programs that assist clinicians by analysing data within electronic health records against domain knowledge and evidence-based guidelines to provide prompts, recommendations and reminders at the point of care.
Using a CDSS effectively can improve efficiency, reduce errors and adverse events and enhance the overall quality and availability of effective care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider CDSS a “Best Practice” based on evidence of effectiveness and impact.
The Chest Pain Clinic initiative will use CDSS towards the following ends:
- Standardization of care across all health facilities
- Task sharing with greater involvement of nurses in NCD care delivery
- Reduced workload for medical officers
- Adequate opportunity for patients to explain their illness and complaints to a nurse
- Better control of hypertension/diabetes
- Improved Quality of Care
- A powerful information system for the NCD program to generate data for informed policy planning
- Real-time process/health outcomes monitoring
- Potential to redesign health systems