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 computer programs that assist clinicians in making patient care decisions. In this assignment, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks to using CDSSs, and you will have the opportunity to create an exemplary depiction of how a CDSS might influence your decision-making as a future advanced practice nurse (APN).
Question 1:
This week, we learned about the potential benefits and drawbacks to clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). For this assignment, you will create a “Pros” versus “Cons” table with a column for “Pro” and a separate column for “Con.” Please include at least three items for each column and provide a brief rationale as to why you included each item on the respective list.
Answer:
Pros:
1. Improved Accuracy – CDSSs can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment by providing real-time recommendations based on the patient’s data.
2. Time-Saving – CDSSs can save time by automatically processing data and providing recommendations, which enables clinicians to make timely decisions.
3. Reduced Costs – CDSSs can help to reduce health care costs by reducing errors and minimizing unnecessary testing.
Cons:
1. High Initial Costs – The cost of implementing CDSSs is often high, which can be a significant barrier for smaller healthcare facilities.
2. Lack of Customization – CDSSs may not be tailored to individual patients, leading to irrelevant recommendations.
3. Overreliance on Technology – Overreliance on CDSSs can lead to complacency and disengagement from clinicians, resulting in a decline in critical thinking and clinical judgment.
Question 2:
The primary goal of a CDSS is to leverage data and scientific evidence to help guide appropriate decision-making. 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-making. This post is an opportunity for you to be innovative, so have fun!
Answer:
As an APN, I have a patient who presents with symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The patient is allergic to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, which makes choosing the appropriate treatment course challenging. To help guide my decision-making, I turn to a CDSS. After entering the patient’s symptoms and allergy history, the CDSS suggests several treatment options that are safe for the patient. Based on the CDSS recommendations and clinical judgment, I am able to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic, which improves patient outcomes by treating the UTI effectively while avoiding allergic reactions. This scenario highlights how CDSSs can improve decision-making by providing evidence-based recommendations, reducing potential errors, and promoting individualized treatment plans.
