Optimizing Clinical Decision Support Using an AIMS

​Clinical decision support based on data from an anesthesia information management system (AIMS) usually leads to better compliance with protocols and financial performance, reports a review article in the September 2015 issue of Anesthesia and Analgesia. The authors reviewed studies of both alerts communicated in near real time via AIMS pop-ups or text pages and post hoc reports sent via e-mail. Of the 21 studies included in the review, 20 showed a statistically significant benefit. However, the authors write that such alerts must strive not to unnecessarily interrupt care; in addition, near-real-time systems require more support hours and maintainability than do report-based systems.