Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is considered a myth about clinical decision support?

1. Clinicians will always utilize automated systems without issue

2. Clinicians will use stand-alone decision-support tools

3. Clinical decision support can reduce medical errors

4. Decision-support tools enhance patient outcomes

The correct answer is: Clinicians will use stand-alone decision-support tools

The statement that clinicians will use stand-alone decision-support tools is considered a myth because, in practical settings, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are typically integrated within electronic health record (EHR) systems or other clinical workflows. This integration facilitates seamless access to decision support at the point of care, thereby improving the likelihood that clinicians will utilize the tools effectively. Stand-alone tools might not be as accessible or might disrupt the clinicians’ workflow, leading to underutilization. Understanding the context of the other statements helps clarify why they differ from the identified myth. Clinicians will not always utilize automated systems without issue; there can be barriers such as usability challenges or information overload that can hinder usage. Moreover, clinical decision support can indeed reduce medical errors and enhance patient outcomes, as those benefits are well-supported by research demonstrating that effective decision support tools can improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment decisions.