Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are computer-based information systems that are designed to assist healthcare providers in the implementation of clinical guidelines at the point of care. The systems use patient’s information to provide evidence-based treatment recommendation for healthcare providers and delivers better clinical outcomes.

CDSS are often incorporated within electronic health records (EHR) and integrated with other computer based functions that provide patient-care summary reports, and feedback on quality indicators.

CDSS are of two main types, including knowledge-based CDSS and non-knowledge based CDSS. The knowledge-based CDSS uses a knowledge base, and applies rules to patient data by using an inference engine and displays results to the end users. The non-knowledge based CDSS systems rely on machine learning to analyze clinical data.

There are numerous clinical tasks that a CDSS can perform or assist. Some of the major applications include drug allergy alerts, drug dosing supports, drug-drug interactions, clinical reminders and clinical guidelines.

The global CDSS market is growing at a significant rate, due to growing demand for advanced healthcare information systems, and growing investments by HIT players. In addition, the growing need for remote patient monitoring services and increasing support from government organizations is also driving the growth of the global CDSS market.

Factors, such as privacy and security issues, high capital expenditure and maintenance requirement, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in developing economies are inhibiting the growth of the global market. The increasing popularity of CDSS in healthcare facilities is the key trend observed in the global CDSS market.

Geographically, North America dominated the global CDSS market, due to improved healthcare infrastructure, increased healthcare spending, growing geriatric population, and growing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle associated diseases. Among the countries in North America, the U.S. has the largest CDSS market all around the world.

Some of the key companies operating in the global CDSS Market include RELX Group PLC, Cerner Corporation, General Electric Company, Epic Systems Corporation, Zynx Health Incorporated, McKesson Corporation, Siemens AG, International Business Machine Corporation, Meditech, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. and Wolters Kluwer.