Computer-based Guideline Implementation Systems: A Systematic Review of Functionality and Effectiveness

All systems provided patient-specific recommendations. In 19, recommendations were available concurrently with care. Explanation services were described for nine systems. Nine systems allowed interactive documentation, and 17 produced paper-based output. Communication services were present most often in systems integrated with electronic medical records. Registration, calculation, and aggregation services were infrequently reported. There were 10 controlled trials (9 randomized) and 10 time-series correlational studies. Guideline adherence improved in 14 of 18 systems in which it was measured. Documentation improved in 4 of 4 studies. n JAMIA. 1999;6:104–114. Despite the considerable effort and resources that have been invested in the development and dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, there continues to be considerable variation in the effectiveness of guidelines to bring about changes in the behavior of clinicians. A number of studies have found that, despite serious initiatives on the part of national organizations to develop and disseminate guidelines, practitioners may still ignore them. – 6 Affiliation of the authors: Yale University, New Haven, Con-