Abstract
Background Optimization of the return on investments in information technology innovations requires that current best evidence be considered for an effect on care processes and health outcomes. Computerized clinical decisions support systems (CCDSSs) might improve therapeutic drug monitoring and dosing (TDMD) by providing patient-tailored clinical recommendations. We summarized current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the effect of CCDSSs on TDMD. Methods A decision-maker - researcher partnership systematic review was performed to optimize the practical implementation of results. Studies from a previous review on the effect of CCDSSs (Garg AX, 2005) were included if they addressed TDMD and were RCTs. Additional RCTs were sought until January 2010 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews and Inspec databases. RCTs assessing the effect of a CCDSS on process of care or patient outcomes were selected by pairs of independent reviewers. Results In total, 33 RCTs were identified that assessed the effect of a CCDSS on management of vitamin K antagonists (14), insulin (6), theophylline/aminophylline (4), aminoglycosides (3), digoxin (2), lidocaine (1), or as part of a multifaceted approach (3). All studies combined enrolled 24,627 patients; 13,219 were in the largest study, and only 6 other studies enrolled over 500 patients. Most studies were performed in one center (63%) and cluster randomization, of either clinics or physicians, was rarely used (18%). CCDSSs were usually stand-alone systems (76%) primarily used by physicians (85%). Overall, 18 of 30 studies (60%) showed an improvement in the process of care and 4 of 19 (21%) an improvement in patient outcomes. All evaluable studies assessing insulin dosing for glycemic control showed an improvement. In meta-analysis, CCDSSs for vitamin K antagonist dosing improved the time that patients spent in the therapeutic range by 6.1% (95% confidence interval: 0.46-11.83; p=0.03). Conclusions CCDSSs have potential for improving process of care for TDMD, specifically insulin and vitamin K antagonist dosing, but effects on patient outcomes were uncertain. More potent CCDSSs are needed and should be evaluated using cluster randomization, primarily assessing patient outcomes.
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