A Scoping Review of the Role of Clinical Decision Support Systems in Intensive Care Units during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been increasingly instrumental in reshaping the intensive care unit (ICU) landscape. This paper highlights the importance of CDSS in improving healthcare professionals' decision-making processes by examining their numerous contributions to the management of critically ill patients.
This scoping review comprised information concerning the role of CDSS in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons for the future of public health care (PHC). The identified literature was published during the COVID-19 peak years (2019–2023), retrieved from the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Scopus. A set of predefined inclusion criteria were used, then thematic analysis was applied. The reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.
A total of 9 studies were included in the final synthesis (all articles). These studies examined various aspects of the role of CDSS in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scoping review was comprehensive and focused on the emerging topic of discussion but lacked risk of bias assessment.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic's unparalleled obstacles, CDSS in ICUs became a vital resource for medical professionals. These technologies help physicians diagnose, treat, and manage COVID-19 patients by using innovative algorithms and real-time data analytics. Early identification, monitoring, timely alarms, and insights into patients' changing clinical status are some of the most crucial functions of CDSS. This capacity was vital in quickly recognising conditions that were getting worse, facilitating quick action, and enhancing patient outcomes.
Additionally, CDSS in ICUs proved effective in therapy guiding, providing evidence-based suggestions for therapeutic approaches. Through the integration of patient information, test findings, and established procedures, these systems enabled tailored and efficient treatment, guaranteeing that medical interventions corresponded with the dynamic course of the illness. Moreover, CDSS helped with risk classification, which enabled medical practitioners to carefully manage resource allocation and customise interventions based on the unique profiles of each patient.
Through the reduction of errors and improvement of patient safety, CDSS was significant in the field of drug management. These technologies met the vital requirement for accuracy in COVID-19 patient care by providing notifications for drug interactions, dosage modifications, and medication administration.
The extensive capabilities that were required in the ICU highlight the revolutionary influence on healthcare delivery that CDSS have. CDSS was invaluable in navigating the challenges of caring critically sick patients in the demanding setting of the global health crisis by integrating evidence-based practices, optimising resource utilisation, and offering real-time decision support.