Summary
Introduction: Advances in clinical decision support (CDS) continue to evolve to support the goals
of clinicians, policymakers, patients and professional organizations to improve clinical
practice, patient safety, and the quality of care.
Objectives: Identify key thematic areas or foci in research and practice involving clinical decision
support during the 2015-2016 time period.
Methods: Thematic analysis consistent with a grounded theory approach was applied in a targeted
review of journal publications, the proceedings of key scientific conferences as well
as activities in standards development organizations in order to identify the key
themes underlying work related to CDS.
Results: Ten key thematic areas were identified, including: 1) an emphasis on knowledge representation,
with a focus on clinical practice guidelines; 2) various aspects of precision medicine,
including the use of sensor and genomic data as well as big data; 3) efforts in quality
improvement; 4) innovative uses of computer-based provider order entry (CPOE) systems,
including relevant data displays; 5) expansion of CDS in various clinical settings;
6) patient-directed CDS; 7) understanding the potential negative impact of CDS; 8)
obtaining structured data to drive CDS interventions; 9) the use of diagnostic decision
support; and 10) the development and use of standards for CDS.
Conclusions: Active research and practice in 2015-2016 continue to underscore the importance and
broad utility of CDS for effecting change and improving the quality and outcome of
clinical care.
Keywords
Clinical decision support - quality improvement - medical order entry systems
