| Summary: | Computerised clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are information technology tools used to optimise the use of antibiotics. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to review the level of evidence of the impact of CDSS on antibiotic prescribing using specific outcome measures. Overall, CDSS interventions were associated with an increase in adequacy of antibiotic coverage based on a random effects model [OR = 2.11, 95% CI, 1.67 to 2.66, p ˂ 0.00001]. Results showed that CDSS had a marginal statistically significant effect on mortality based on a random effects model. [OR = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.96, p = 0.01]. Medical and non-medical healthcare professionals in University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust were surveyed about their perceptions and attitudes towards CDSS. 85% participants showed a positive attitude towards CDSS. A quantitative retrospective before-and-after study in the University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust was conducted from June 2012 to June 2016 to measure the impact of a CDSS tool known as Structured Prescribing on the volume of antibiotic use. From June 2012 to June 2016, the total antibiotic usage increased by 13.1% from 1436.3 to 1624.85 DDD/1000 bed-days. CDSS show demonstrable potential in optimising the use of antibiotics and containing antimicrobial resistance.
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