Clinical Decision Support System in laboratory medicine.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Laboratory Medicine
• Health Systems Science

Background:

• Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are widely used in healthcare.
• Laboratory medicine (LM) is a critical data source, yet CDSS application in this setting requires clarification.
• A lack of consensus exists regarding the definition and scope of CDSS within LM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the concept and applications of CDSS in laboratory medicine over the past decade.
• To propose a theoretical definition for CDSS in LM.
• To identify the types, workflows, and data sources of CDSS relevant to LM.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of CDSS in laboratory medicine.
• Identification of common CDSS applications and their impact.
• Exploration of the role of laboratory professionals in CDSS implementation.

Main Results:

• No standardized definition for CDSS in LM was found.
• Key applications include diagnostic support, clinical management, patient safety, workflow optimization, and cost reduction.
• CDSS utilize diverse data sources and workflows within the laboratory setting.

Conclusions:

• A theoretical definition for CDSS in LM should encompass improvements in prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
• Laboratory professionals are well-positioned to lead CDSS initiatives due to their expertise in quality assurance.
• Standardizing CDSS definitions and applications is crucial for maximizing their benefit in LM.