Chapter 25 – A Clinical Decision Support Implementation Guide: Practical Considerations

The implementation of a comprehensive clinical decision support (CDS) program involves two important steps: building an organizational foundation that will support the CDS program, and the actual process of implementation of CDS packages. A CDS “package” is defined here as a collection of one or more CDS interventions directed toward particular objectives. Building the foundation for CDS requires strong organizational support from all levels; a committed physician champion who can manage the change process and communicate with the end-user community and the IT Department; an engaged CDS Committee that will evangelize the program; a robust IT infrastructure that can support the technical requirements; and a comprehensive communication plan. The implementation of CDS packages starts with identifying targets or goals that are integrated with organizational high-level goals and objectives; an understanding of clinical workflow to facilitate the selection of the correct CDS intervention; strong support for and communication of the specific CDS intervention; and ongoing support for periodic review and revision of the CDS packages to ensure they remain relevant to the organizational goals and are representative of standards of care.