Linked to EAHP Statements:
Section 4: Clinical pharmacy services
Section 5: patient safety and quality assurance

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-16-014-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) ought to provide added value to users, for example:
• additional information on products
• mechanisms of action
• adverse events
• guidelines for best application practice
• clinical rules for dose rounding.

However, their added value/risk ratio is a rarely discussed issue. To take full advantage, users need knowledge appropriate to their professional practice providing the most up to date research results and evidence. This need in turn will be different for each professional of a multi-disciplinary team. Inappropriate use of CDSS may put patients at risk. Further drawbacks of CDSS arise from undisclosed validation of the information provided, from decreased therapeutic flexibility, or from neglecting therapeutic decision making by uncritically following general guidelines instead of taking into account personalised circumstances of the patient.

Teaching goals:

• To outline added value and risks of CDSS in relation to user-profiles;
• To propose a concise SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of CDSS;
• To advise on how to keep flexibility and avoid dependence on CDSS.