A Systemic Review of the Cost-­Effectiveness of Clinical Decision Support

This paper will examine the evidence related to the effectiveness of clinical decision systems (CDSSs) on patient safety and outcomes and how it relates to health care costs. A systematic review of the literature shows that CDSSs, if implemented properly, do improve patient safety and outcomes. Despite this proof of CDSSs' positive effects on patient safety and outcomes, there is little research that shows the CDSSs will lower health care costs. Even with meaningful use incentives offered by the US government, health care providers are still wary of the financial stress it will bring to their business. This paper will provide an analysis and synthesis of the evidence in current literature on CDSSs and its ability to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of an already expensive health care system in the United States.