Understanding implementation and usefulness of electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) for melanoma in English primary care

Clinical decision support tools have the potential to help identify people at risk of cancer for early referral and investigation, but there is little research evidence to guide their integration into clinical software. Using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study aimed to understand GP and patient perspectives on the implementation and usefulness of the eCDS. Most GPs reported that the eCDS was useful, easy to use, time-efficient and could facilitate patient-GP communication. Some felt that it could lead to increased or unnecessary referrals to specialist care, and that better implementation could enhance its uptake and usefulness. The findings of this study support the use of eCDS for melanoma in clinical practice and provides guidelines for effective implementation. Read the full text