Tailoring Clinical Decision Support Systems to Nurse Anesthetists: A Rapid Review of Current Evidence

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) rely on various information sources to make clinical decisions. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can enhance decision-making, but few are tailored specifically for CRNAs. This rapid review examines the current evidence on CDSS use in anesthesia care. A rapid review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases Medline CINAHL and Embase were searched for studies focusing on CDSS for CRNAs. Six studies were included. No CDSS was designed specifically for CRNAs. The identified systems, both rule-based and AI-based, improved decision-making, particularly in risk prediction and intraoperative management, but were not adapted to the specific needs of CRNAs. While CDSS can enhance anesthesia care, systems designed for other professionals may not fully meet CRNA requirements. Tailored CDSS are needed to address their unique decision-making processes. Developing CRNA-specific CDSS could optimize decision-making and improve patient outcomes in anesthesia practice.