Clinical Decision Support Systems
Purpose
The ideas and beliefs underpinning the discussions guide students through engaging dialogues as they achieve the desired learning outcomes/competencies associated with their course in a manner that empowers them to organize, integrate, apply and critically appraise their knowledge to their selected field of practice. The ebb and flow of a discussion is based upon the composition of student and faculty interaction in the quest for relevant scholarship.
Activity Learning Outcomes
Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:
- Contribute level-appropriate knowledge and experience to the topic in a discussion environment that models professional and social interaction (CO4)
- Actively engage in the written ideas of others by carefully reading, researching, reflecting, and responding to the contributions of their peers and course faculty (CO5)
Requirements:
Post a written response in the discussion forum to EACH threaded discussion topic:
- This week we learned about the potential benefits and drawbacks to clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). Create a “Pros” versus “Cons” table with a column for “Pro” and a separate column for “Con”. Include at least 3 items for each column. Next to each item, provide a brief rationale as to why you included it on the respective list.
- The primary goal of a CDSS is to leverage data and the scientific evidence to help guide appropriate decision making. CDSSs directly assist the clinician in making decisions about specific patients. For this discussion thread post, you are to assume your future role as an APN and create a clinical patient and scenario to illustrate an exemplary depiction of how a CDSS might influence your decision. This post is an opportunity for you to be innovative, so have fun!
Adhere to the following guidelines regarding quality for the threaded discussions in Canvas:
For each threaded discussion per week, the student will select no less than TWO scholarly sources to support the initial discussion post.
Scholarly Sources: Only scholarly sources are acceptable for citation and reference in this course. These include peer-reviewed publications, government reports, or sources written by a professional or scholar in the field. The textbooks and lessons are NOT considered to be outside scholarly sources. For the threaded discussions and reflection posts, reputable internet sources such as websites by government agencies (URL ends in .gov) and respected organizations (often ends in .org) can be counted as scholarly sources. The best outside scholarly source to use is a peer-reviewed nursing journal. You are encouraged to use the Chamberlain library and search one of the available databases for a peer-reviewed journal article. The following sources should not be used: Wikipedia, Wikis, or blogs. These websites are not considered scholarly as anyone can add to these. Please be aware that .com websites can vary in scholarship and quality. For example, the American Heart Association is a .com site with scholarship and quality. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the scholarship and quality of any .com site. Ask your instructor before using any site if you are unsure. Points will be deducted from the rubric if the site does not demonstrate scholarship or quality. Current outside scholarly sources must be published with the last 5 years. Instructor permission must be obtained BEFORE the assignment is due if using a source that is older than 5 years.
DISCUSSION CONTENT
Category
Points
%
Description
Application of Course Knowledge
50
33%
The quality for this category is determined by the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lessons and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations.
Scholarliness and Scholarly Resources
40
27%
This category is evaluated on the quality of the student’s ability to: Support writing with appropriate, scholarly sources; provide relevant evidence of scholarly inquiry clearly stating how the evidence informed or changed professional or academic decisions; evaluate literature resources to develop a comprehensive analysis or synthesis; use sources published within the last 5 years; match reference list and in-text citations match, and minimize or appropriately format direct quotations.
Interactive Dialogue
40
27%
The quality for this category is determined by substantive written responses to a peer and faculty member’s questions in the threaded discussion. Substantive posts add importance, depth, and meaningfulness to the discussion. Students must respond to least one peer in the threaded discussion. If no question asked directly from faculty, student must respond to questions posed to the entire class. Post must include at least one scholarly source.
Total CONTENT Points= 130
DISCUSSION FORMAT
Category
Points
%
Description
Grammar, Spelling, Syntax, Mechanics and APA Format
20
13%
Reflection post has minimal grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation and APA* errors. Direct quotes (if used) is limited to 1 short statement** which adds substantively to the post.
* APA style references and in text citations are required; however, there are no deductions for errors in indentation or spacing of references. All elements of the reference otherwise must be included.
**Direct quote should not to exceed 15 words & must add substantively to the discussion
Total FORMAT Points= 20
DISCUSSION TOTAL=150 Points
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs) are powerful tools that assist clinicians in making informed decisions about patient care. They leverage data and scientific evidence to guide appropriate decision-making. In this assignment, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of CDSSs and their impact on clinical practice. Additionally, we will create a clinical patient scenario that exemplifies how a CDSS can influence decision-making.
Answer to Question 1:
Pros:
1. Enhanced Accuracy: CDSSs can help reduce errors in diagnosis and treatment by providing evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations are based on the latest research and clinical guidelines.
2. Improved Efficiency: CDSSs can streamline workflows by providing quick access to patient information and relevant treatment options. This saves time and allows clinicians to focus more on patient care.
3. Consistent Practice: CDSSs promote standardized care by offering clinical decision support based on best practices. This helps ensure that patients receive consistent and quality care across different healthcare settings.
Cons:
1. Information Overload: CDSSs can overwhelm clinicians with excessive information, leading to cognitive overload. It is important to filter and present only the most relevant and actionable recommendations.
2. Lack of Contextual Understanding: CDSSs may not always take into account the unique patient characteristics and preferences. Clinicians need to exercise their clinical judgment to apply CDSS recommendations appropriately.
3. Technical Challenges: Implementing and maintaining CDSSs require significant technological resources and support. This can pose challenges for healthcare organizations, especially smaller practices with limited resources.
Answer to Question 2:
As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), I encounter a diverse range of patients with varying healthcare needs. Let’s consider the scenario of a 65-year-old patient with multiple chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis.
Using a CDSS, I can input the patient’s demographic and clinical data, such as age, gender, laboratory results, and medication history. The CDSS can then analyze this information, along with evidence-based guidelines, to provide recommendations for managing the patient’s conditions.
For instance, the CDSS might suggest specific medication adjustments based on the patient’s lab values and comorbidities. It could also recommend lifestyle modifications tailored to the patient’s needs, such as exercise programs for osteoarthritis management and dietary recommendations for diabetes control.
The CDSS can also offer alerts and reminders for preventive screenings and vaccinations, ensuring comprehensive care for the patient. By leveraging data and evidence-based recommendations, the CDSS assists me in making informed decisions and delivering personalized care to this complex patient.
In conclusion, CDSSs have the potential to greatly enhance clinical decision-making by providing evidence-based recommendations and streamlining workflows. However, it is crucial for clinicians to exercise their clinical judgment and consider the unique contextual factors of each patient when applying CDSS recommendations.
