Keywords

Computer-assisted decision making, Decisions support systems, Evidence-based medicine, Information systems, Practice guidelines

 

Authors

  1. ANDERSON, JANE A. MSN, RN, FNP, BC
  2. WILLSON, PAMELA PhD, RN, FNP, BC

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a synthesis of the research literature on the state of nursing science regarding the development, use, and application of clinical decision support systems for the implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing. The authors sought to answer three specific questions in this metasynthesis: (1) What progress has nursing science made regarding the development and use of clinical decision support systems?; (2) What research methods and theoretical models are being applied by nurse researchers in this area?; and (3)Are there evidence-adaptive clinical decision support systems designed specifically to aid nurses' decisions related to evidence-based practice? Of 183 articles, 17 were included in the final analysis, and six were specific for clinical decision support systems to aid nurses in evidence-based practice. Implications for practice are considered, and recommendations for future research are made.