A Quantitative Study Investigating the Effects of Computerised Clinical Decision Support in the Emergency Department

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Decision Support Systems

Background:

• Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems (CCDSS) are widely researched in healthcare, but their specific application in Emergency Departments (EDs) is under-investigated.
• Improving quality and safety in EDs is a critical healthcare challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a CCDSS specifically designed for ED triage.
• To assess the impact of the CCDSS on key quality and safety metrics within the ED.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental interrupted time-series design was employed for evaluation.
• Data were collected at four time points: pre-implementation and post-implementation of the CCDSS.
• Key performance indicators included triage prioritization, pain scoring, and pain management.

Main Results:

• The introduction of the CCDSS led to a statistically significant improvement in triage prioritization (p < 0.001).
• Significant improvements were also observed in pain scoring (p < 0.001) and pain management (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the positive clinical impact of a CCDSS on ED patient quality and safety.
• This research contributes novel insights into the effectiveness of CCDSS for emergency department triage.