title: Managing information: the role of decision support systems.
abstract: This paper defines the role of a decision support system in managing information within a hospital environment. It discusses the use of such a system as a catalyst for change in the clinical as well as financial management of patient cases. A case study highlights one hospital's use of a decision support system. The paper concludes with a discussion of the patient care uses of a decision support system in measuring quality and clinical outcomes, tracking resource utilization, predicting utilization, and setting standards and protocols.
authors.affiliation: Transition Systems, Inc., Boston, MA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shapleigh
mesh_terms: D000066:Accounting; D001900:Boston; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003660:Decision Support Systems, Management; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care