Clinical decision support systems use in Wisconsin

Context: Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are becoming increasingly common in medical practice. Objective: To assess utilization, level of interest, and potential barriers to implementation of CDSS among physicians providing inpatient care in Wisconsin. Design and Participants: A Web-based survey consisting of 20 questions e-mailed to 5783 members of the Wisconsin Medical Society. Results: Of those contacted, 496 (9%) responded and 356 (72%) were eligible for the survey. According to 38% of respondents, CDSS were in place in their facility; less than a third were computer-based. Few existing users of CDSS reported being dissatisfied (2%) although 38% of the respondents were unfamiliar with CDSS or their use in medical practice. Most (79%) described themselves as receptive to new decision support tools, though the most commonly anticipated barrier to implementation was physician acceptance. Conclusions: CDSS are used in limited capacity in Wisconsin and existing systems are not likely to be computer-based. Despite physicians expressing a generally favorable interest in CDSS, a knowledge gap persists.