A Randomized Outpatient Trial of a Decision-Support Information Technology Tool

Abstract
Medical decision making integrates patient-specific data with medical knowledge under conditions of uncertainty. Computerized decision-support information technology (DSIT) tools are programs that help caregivers close gaps between knowledge and performance1,2 using various approaches, including alerts, feedback, interpretation, prognostic tools, and diagnostic aids. Although these tools are proliferating,3 few studies4-6 have rigorously evaluated their impact on ambulatory care. The DSIT tools often escape the scrutiny applied to drugs or devices,7,8 yet they can be costly and can cause both harm9,10 and benefit.3,11