Implementation of an Electronic Clinical Decision Support Order Set for Acute Pancreatitis in an Integrated Health...

Standardized admission order entry systems (OES) and clinical decision support (CDS) tools can facilitate implementation of evidence-based practice. We conducted a mixed-methods analysis incorporating quantitative analysis of OES/CDS usage as well as qualitative analysis to identify barriers and facilitators related to usage of acute pancreatitis (AP)-specific OES-CDS.

Quantitative analysis: A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized encounters for AP (defined by diagnosis codes and lipase or amylase >3x normal) was conducted across 12 hospitals within an integrated health system from September 2014 through October 2022 to evaluate adoption of the AP OES/CDS, relationship to length-of-stay (LOS≥7 days), and in-hospital mortality adjusted for patient clinical and demographic characteristics. Qualitative analysis: Semistructured interviews of focus groups identified themes related to perceived benefits, barriers, and improvements to the OES/CDS.

Among 16,874 AP hospitalizations during the study, annual use of the AP OES/CDS peaked in 2021 at 7.4%. Use of AP OES/CDS was associated with reduction in prolonged LOS (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-0.94). This finding was consistent after adjusting age, sex, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity indices. No significant difference in mortality was associated with OES usage (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.61-1.32). Barriers to OES adoption included lack of awareness, competition with other tools, and complexity of patient case-mix.

Although adoption was limited, usage of an AP OES/CDS tool was associated with a decrease in prolonged length-of-stay. Future efforts to expand the reach of such instruments through provider awareness and refinement of the instrument may facilitate broader impact for management of patients with acute pancreatitis.