The intersection of technology and healthcare in India – A closer look at CDSS

In recent years, India’s healthcare industry has undergone a significant transformation due to the increasing adoption of digital health solutions. The Covid-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for this change, presenting healthcare organizations with ample opportunities to leverage innovative healthcare technologies to improve patient outcomes. Today, many digital health solutions, including clinical decision support systems (CDSS), are aiding in revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare in India.

CDSS is a technological solution that provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based clinical knowledge and information to assist them in making informed clinical decisions. It streamlines workflows, improves clinical judgment, and addresses the growing overload of information that healthcare providers face daily. Despite the numerous benefits of CDSS, some healthcare organizations still face barriers to its adoption, such as the misconception that it requires additional infrastructure for deployment, which is not true. However, the younger generation of clinicians is increasingly comfortable using technology during consultations, and with an integrated electronic medical record (EMR) system, using CDSS during a consultation becomes even easier.

One significant advantage of CDSS is the reduction of medication errors, and several studies have shown how CDSS can shorten hospital stays. Although errors and inaccuracies cannot be eliminated, having a system that can reduce these can operate as an additional safety net. Also, CDSS implementation can provide a significant ROI, as it is essential to consider the benefits that it can bring to patient outcomes and reduce unwanted variability of care. Standardizing care is a critical component of any healthcare system, and CDSS plays a key role in achieving this goal. By providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based clinical knowledge and information, it helps to reduce variation in clinical decision making, leading to improved patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Standardizing care through CDSS can also contribute to the development of best practices and clinical guidelines, which can be shared across healthcare organizations and help to further improve the quality of care provided to patients.

Not only this, but the adoption of CDSS in India’s healthcare industry can benefit medical students by providing them with practical tools and reliable information to improve their clinical decision-making skills. Early access to CDSS can help medical students bridge the gap between theory and practice and build confidence and competence in providing high-quality care to their patients.

CDSS can contribute to the development of a healthcare ecosystem where every clinician has access to the resources necessary to provide high-quality, equitable care. It is a critical component of India’s healthcare industry, and its adoption should be encouraged across the board. The younger generation of clinicians is increasingly being more comfortable using technology during consultations, to stay ahead of the curve with industry best practices, which ultimately help improve patient outcomes. This is supported by the fact that CDSS tools like UpToDate, which have been in operation for over 30 years, have heavily penetrated many mature health ecosystems across the Asia-Pacific region. The Indian healthcare system does not presently mandate the use of CDSS tools. However, there is a need for standardized recommendations for an evidence-based medicine approach across all medical institutions. Healthcare organizations can create a comprehensive implementation plan and collaborate with CDSS providers to ensure proper training and support. Encouraging the adoption of CDSS in Indian healthcare settings would contribute to the development of an inclusive healthcare ecosystem where every clinician can access the resources required to offer high-quality and equitable care.