The perspective of physicians on the value of online clinical decision support

Online clinical decision support has been shown to help physicians improve the quality of care that they provide. However, there is little evidence as to how individual physicians perceive the utility of clinical decision support considering its cost. This article evaluates the perceptions of physicians who are part of a user group at BMJ about the cost and utility of an online clinical decision support resource, BMJ Best Practice. These physicians saw value in being able to link their usage of online clinical decision support to improved clinical practice. The evidence-based credentials, convenience, and time efficiency of the online clinical decision support were the most valued features. Users also valued the fact that the content was continually updated. Most thought that their institution should pay but were willing to use their personal devices to access the content. Physicians also valued being able to claim continuing professional development credits for their use of the resource.