Abstract

CARE COORDINATION BETWEEN EMERGENCY SERVICES AND COMMUNITY HEALTH PROVIDERS: REVIEW

Khwlah Abdulaziz Alswaied*, Mohammed Hassan Albather, Tahani Mohammed Hassan Alqorashi

ABSTRACT

Background: The integration of Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems (CCDSSs) in acute medical care has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. However, the effectiveness of these systems remains under scrutiny, particularly regarding their impact on patient care in high-pressure environments such as emergency departments and intensive care units. Methods: This systematic review analyzed 36 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of CCDSSs in acute care settings. A comprehensive search was conducted across several databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, focusing on studiespublished. The review adhered to stringent inclusion criteria, emphasizing the importance of RCTs to ensure robust findings. Results: The majority of studies demonstrated that CCDSSs positively impacted care processes, with 63% showingstatistically significant benefits. However, outcomes related to patient morbidity and mortality were infrequently assessed, and no trials conclusively reported improvements in these critical areas. Some studies indicated minor reductions in hospital length of stay, suggesting that while CCDSSs may enhance efficiency, they do not necessarily translate to improved patient outcomes. Conclusion: Although CCDSSs have shown promise in improving care processes within acute medical settings, their influence on essential patient outcomes remains unclear. Future research should focus on larger-scale studies that assess the direct impact of CCDSSs on patient health outcomes, ensuring that the systems are not only effective but also relevant to the needs of clinicians and patients.

Keywords: Clinical Decision Support Systems, acute care, randomized controlled trials, patient outcomes, healthcare technology.