From Concept to Reality: Examining India’s Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) Challenges & Opportunities

Background Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are rapidly altering the face of healthcare and their potential to improve patient outcomes has been exploited, in some countries. This study aims to explore the current landscape of the Indian healthcare sector to identify the favourability of current practises, organisational and infrastructural readiness, attitudes and concerns of the stakeholders concerning the implementation of CDSS. Methods The methodology that this study used was carrying out structured interviews comprising of 16 close-ended questions, split into three sub-categories. There was a total of 61 interviews were conducted with medical and administrative staff in public and privately run facilities, present in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India. The study will focus on hospitals in Tier 1 cities as these are in a position to bring technological transformation. Results The results identified various trends and patterns that would likely govern the incorporation of CDSS. A large proportion of the experts answered positively about the current level of digitalisation of their workplace and the availability of funds for future innovation, indicating high favourability for CDSS. Various roadblocks were isolated with respect to stakeholder attitudes, standardisation of care and general knowledge about CDSS and that in two cities, privately owned facilities were better equipped than state-run facilities. Conclusions There have been many recent initiatives in India to promote digital health. Performing a CDSS cost-effectiveness study will demonstrate the benefits of using CDSS in the country to overcome any adoption hesitancies.