A mixed methods evaluation of an antimicrobial prescribing clinical decision support system app
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Waldock, William
Gilchrist, Mark
Ashrafian, Hutan
Franklin, Bryony
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This study evaluated how the usability and accessibility of a digital antimicrobial prescribing app influences clinical decision-making. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, the study assessed app usage patterns with surveys and interviews to identify common barriers. Among 700 users at a tertiary hospital, 61 completed the survey (7.3% response rate), including 52 prescribers. Additionally, 20 prescribers participated in interviews. While 87% found the guidelines relevant, only 52% rated navigation as easy, and 34% reported slower decision-making compared to other clinical decision support systems (CDSS). App use peaked during morning rounds (8–11 AM). Key challenges included navigation inefficiencies (59%), technical barriers, limited onboarding, and concerns around clinical AI transparency. Interviews highlighted frustration with excessive steps and a desire for simpler guideline access. Findings highlight the need for user-friendly CDSS tools integrated into clinical workflows, and stress the importance of stakeholder co-design to improve medication safety.
Date Issued
2025-08-18
Date Acceptance
2025-07-27
Citation
npj Antimicrobials and Resistance, 2025, 3
ISSN
2731-8745
Publisher
Nature Research
Journal / Book Title
npj Antimicrobials and Resistance
Volume
3
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2025 Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
71
Date Publish Online
2025-08-18