Clinical Decision Support

The Cures Act and Software

By William Hyman – The current version of the 21st Century Cures Act, which has been around in various forms since 2014, passed the House on November 25th and passage in the Senate is expected.



Machine Learning and CDS Transparency

By William A. Hyman – One of the many questions in the design and use of Clinical Decision Support software is whether or not the user can recreate the logic used by the system in reaching its conclusions and recommendations–or alerts, or suggestions.


Cyclical Conundrum in Complication Prediction

By William A. Hyman – A popular form of Clinical Decision Support is the prediction of forthcoming complications. I have commented on reports of such systems before, and another example has been posted recently, in this case seeking to predict cardiovascular complications from CT scans.


CDS Moves Compliance from Dismal to Dismal

By William Hyman – One use of a Clinical Decision Support system (CDS) is to remind doctors of what the “established” standardized methodology is. One key issue here is established by whom? Another is, depending on complexity, why the clinical staff doesn’t follow the established procedure whether or not it is supported by a CDS.



CDS and Imaging Appropriateness

By William Hyman – The premise of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) is that automated patient specific “advice” can guide clinician practice toward improved patient care and ultimately better outcomes. A related value is better utilization of resources by avoiding unnecessary clinical activities that are potentially harmful, and/or expensive.