Usability assessments in clinical decision support systems.

Abstract

Clinical decision support (CDS) tools play a crucial role in assisting healthcare professionals in making informed decisions. However, the full potential of CDS systems has not been realized due to various usability issues. This paper provides an overview of usability issues identified in CDS tools, including graphical user interface issues, user experience problems, terminology clarity, and user control problems. Several usability assessment methods, such as heuristic evaluation, think-aloud testing, cognitive walk-through, and surveys, are employed to evaluate CDS tool usability. These methods reveal strengths and weaknesses in CDS tool design, guiding improvements to enhance usability. The findings of this review emphasize the importance of incorporating user feedback, employing iterative processes, and addressing interface design challenges to optimize the usability and acceptance of CDS tools in healthcare settings. By addressing these usability issues, healthcare professionals can leverage CDS tools effectively to improve patient outcomes.