Clinical Decision Support for Laboratory Testing

BACKGROUND: As technology enables new and increasingly complex laboratory tests, test utilization presents a growing challenge for healthcare systems. Clinical decision support (CDS) refers to digital tools that present providers with clinically relevant information and recommendations, which have been shown to improve test utilization. Nevertheless, individual CDS applications often fail, and implementation remains challenging. CONTENT: We review common classes of CDS tools grounded in examples from the literature as well as our own institutional experience. In addition, we present a practical framework and specific recommendations for effective CDS implementation. SUMMARY: CDS encompasses a rich set of tools that have the potential to drive significant improvements in laboratory testing, especially with respect to test utilization. Deploying CDS effectively requires thoughtful design and careful maintenance, and structured processes focused on quality improvement and change management play an important role in achieving these goals.