Implementing clinical guidelines in the treatment of hypertension in general practice: Evaluation of patient outcome related to implementation of a computer-based clinical decision support system

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate the implementation of clinical guidelines for hypertension in general practice by use of a computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) and a specific implementation strategy. Evaluation of patient outcome. Design - Randomised study with health centres as units. The intervention group had the CDSS installed and made ready for use, doctors and assistants were trained and received a user-manual, the doctors were offered telephone repetitions, a seminar in risk intervention and, at the same seminar, further demonstration of the CDSS. The doctors received baseline registrations with information of how they treated their own hypertensive patients, and use of the CDSS was checked repeatedly. Setting - General practice in Sør- and Nord-Trø