Challenges in Implementing Clinical Decision Support Systems for the Management of Infectious Diseases

Abstract

The increased availability of routine healthcare data collected through electronic medical record (EMR) systems provide opportunities for a much greater data-driven approach to healthcare. In infectious diseases, a number of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs) have shown promising results to improve quality and safety of healthcare management. However, most CDSSs have not been evaluated in real-world clinical settings and are not implemented into clinical practice. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the major challenges in translating CDSS research in infectious diseases into effective tools suitable for use in the clinical setting. Exemplars of real-world implementations and experience of introducing CDSS in infectious diseases are provided, and discussion on measurable outcomes, integration, and framework for clinical implementation proposed.