EHR clinical decision support tools help health systems reduce costs, study finds 

Health systems may experience financial gains by implementing clinical decision support tools in their EHR systems, according to a recent study published in the US National Library of Medicine.

Advertisement

For the study, a team of researchers from New York City-based Mount Sinai School of Medicine and University of Potsdam in Germany analyzed a compilation of 27 studies on EHR-based CDS interventions.

Of the 27 studies analyzed, the researchers found that 22 studies showed a positive economic impact after implementing CDS tools in the EHR. Overall, the digital tools helped to lower costs on unnecessary lab testing, duplicate order entry and reducing antibiotic prescriptions.

While most of the studies showed that the CDS tools in the EHR helped to reduce costs, the researchers noted that undiscovered malfunctions with the tools or order facilitators could result in unexpected new costs. Also, CDS systems often present high upfront and maintenance costs, so the researchers examined the studies and found that four included economic evaluations that reported mixed monetary outcome results.

The researchers concluded that while most studies currently do not account for comparative cost-outcome metrics, the positive economic impact of EHR-based CDS tools is still highly promising.

Register today for Becker’s HIT+RCM Virtual Event Oct. 6-9 for the best insights and big ideas in health IT!

More articles on EHRs:
Cerner, end-of-life planning company partner: 3 details 
Washington health district says it accidentally disclosed COVID-19 health records to partner agency 
Nurses and EHR burnout: 3 findings from KLAS

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

The hidden cost of lost clinical time and how leading health systems are responding

Friday, August 7
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Kassaundra McKnight-Young, Zebra TechnologiesGregory Carras, Zebra TechnologiesJennifer Gene, Levata

Advertisement

Next Up in EHRs / Interoperability

Advertisement

Comments are closed.