A conceptual framework and protocol for defining clinical decision support objectives applicable to medical specialties

Table 2 CDS intervention categories with examples

Category	Examples
Documentation forms and templates	Clinician encounter documentation forms; patient self-assessment forms; “smart forms;” data flow sheets
Relevant data presentation	Relevant data for ordering, administration, or documentation; retrospective/aggregate reporting or filtering; choice lists; practice status display
Order/prescription creation facilitators	Order sets; tools for complex ordering
Protocol and pathway support	Stepwise processing of multistep protocol or guideline; support for managing clinical problems over long periods and many encounters
Reference information and guidance	Context-specific direct links to specific, pertinent reference information
Alerts and reminders	Alerts to prevent potential/omission/commission errors or hazards; alerts to foster best care

Note: A “smart form” is an EHR-based clinical workflow tool designed for organized data review for specific conditions, effective and efficient facilitated data capture, documentation of a clinical visit, and integrated, dynamic, actionable decision support in a single environment [40].

ISSN: 1472-6947