Clinical Decision Support Tool to Promote Adoption of New Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Guidelines

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to increase the adoption of revised newborn hyperbilirubinemia guidelines by building a clinical decision support (CDS) tool into templated notes. Methods We created a rule-based CDS tool that correctly populates the phototherapy threshold from more than 2,700 possible values directly into the note and guides clinicians to an appropriate follow-up plan consistent with the new recommendations. We manually reviewed notes before and after CDS tool implementation to evaluate new guidelines adherence, and surveys were used to assess clinicians' perceptions. Results Postintervention documentation showed a decrease in old risk stratification methods (48 to 0.4%, p < 0.01) and an increase in new phototherapy threshold usage (39 to 95%, p < 0.01) and inclusion of follow-up guidance (28 to 79%, p < 0.01). Survey responses on workflow efficiency and satisfaction did not significantly change after CDS tool implementation. Conclusion Our study details an innovative CDS tool that contributed to increased adoption of newly revised guidelines after the addition of this tool to templated notes.