1. Reducing clinical and medication errors
Errors in clinical decisions or medication administration can be costly - not only in terms of financial loss but also in the form of adverse patient outcomes and reputational damage. CDS systems are designed to mitigate these risks by providing information tailored to specific patient populations and clinical scenarios.
- Lower risk of adverse events: Modern CDS tools offer enhanced dosing data and interactive resources to ensure precise medication decisions.
- Improved outcomes and cost savings: Studies have shown that effective use of CDS can lead to significant reductions in clinical errors compared to not using any point-of-care CDS resources.
When fewer errors occur, organizations save on litigation costs, prevent extended hospital stays caused by complications, and maintain the trust of their patients and healthcare teams.
2. Shortening the average length of stay (LoS)
Hospital stays come with a high price tag, and every day reduced can significantly impact an organization’s bottom line. High-performing CDS systems improve care decisions that directly influence LoS.
- Faster, evidence-based treatment decisions: By offering access to continually updated clinical studies and evidence-based guidelines, CDS systems help clinicians arrive at the right diagnosis and treatment plan more quickly.
- Proven results: Research indicates that using CDS can lead to a reduction in hospital stays by measurable amounts, translating to substantial cost savings across the board.
Shorter stays not only reduce operational expenses but also allow hospitals to increase patient turnover, enabling them to serve more patients without expanding resources.
3. Enhancing clinician productivity and satisfaction
Healthcare organizations face the growing challenge of clinician burnout, which leads to inefficiencies, increased turnover costs, and, ultimately, poorer patient care. CDS systems that streamline workflows not only improve satisfaction but also enhance decision-making efficiency.
- Faster access to trusted solutions: Comprehensive CDS solutions allow for rapid answers to clinical questions, enabling clinicians to spend less time searching for information and more time caring for patients.
- Preventing unnecessary expenses: Clinicians using CDS report significant decreases in unnecessary testing, treatments, and procedures. These efficiencies prevent resource wastage while focusing care appropriately.
- High trust and utilization: CDS that delivers reliable, evidence-based content earns the confidence of clinicians and encourages widespread adoption, further amplifying cost-saving benefits.
By empowering care teams with intuitive and effective tools, healthcare organizations not only reduce burnout-related costs but also foster higher clinician retention and morale.
