Clinical Decision Support (CDS) refers to a range of tools and systems used by healthcare professionals to assist in clinical decision-making. The goal is to enhance patient care by providing evidence-based information, recommendations, and alerts that can guide decisions. These systems integrate with electronic health records (EHRs) and can offer support in various ways, including:

1. Diagnosis Support: Helping clinicians diagnose conditions by providing relevant medical information, differential diagnoses, and guidelines based on patient data. 2. Treatment Recommendations: Suggesting evidence-based treatment options tailored to a patient’s specific condition and medical history. 3. Drug Interaction Alerts: Flagging potential drug interactions or allergies, ensuring the safe use of medications. 4. Clinical Guidelines: Offering easy access to up-to-date clinical practice guidelines to help ensure that care is consistent with the latest evidence. 5. Predictive Analytics: Using patient data to predict potential risks, such as the likelihood of readmission or adverse events, helping clinicians take preventive actions.

CDS tools aim to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure that care is aligned with best practices. However, they also need to be used with caution, as over-reliance on automated suggestions can sometimes limit clinical judgment.