The Federal Role in Clinical Decision Support

Clinical Decision Support: Our Vision for the Future of CDS Connect

The rapid and continued adoption of digital technologies has increased the need for enhanced Clinical Decision Support (CDS) ecosystems. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) identified gaps in CDS content and along with MITRE built the free, open-source CDS Connect platform to support the implementation and adoption of CDS with a particular focus on Patient Centered Outcomes Research. With the initial project ending, AHRQ issued a public innovation challenge to explore collaborative models to sustain and further develop CDS.

At The Health Co-Lab, we were thrilled to develop and submit a response. Our proposal, "CDS Connector: Creating a Sustainable PPP by Incentivizing Innovation," was selected as a Phase 1 winner of the challenge.

Embracing a New Model for Growth
In response to AHRQ's challenge, we've proposed an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to ensure equitable and sustainable growth of standards-based Clinical Decision Support (CDS) artifacts. This initiative aims to meet the contemporary demands of the healthcare community while laying the groundwork to address future needs, positioning CDS Connect as a leader in the field of clinical decision support.

A Novel Approach to Community Engagement
Our innovative, community-aware business model is at the core of this proposal. By adopting a dual-use licensing approach, we're ensuring that healthcare providers, academics, and patients enjoy free access to CDS artifacts, while commercial licenses will provide a sustainable funding mechanism. This balanced strategy is set to foster an environment where clinical content generation and usage thrive, enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of healthcare for all.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Functionality
Recognizing the transformative power of technology in healthcare, our proposal outlines significant enhancements to CDS Connect. From advanced interoperability and AI-driven analytics to natural language processing and improvements in user-centric design, we're committed to making CDS Connect more functional, intuitive, and interoperable. A phased strategy for these technological advancements ensures alignment with the platform's evolving user needs.

Aligning Incentives for Comprehensive CDS Development
A critical component of our proposal is the alignment of incentives to drive the development of CDS artifacts, especially in emergent and underserved clinical areas, such as Social Determinants of Health. Our model envisions CDS Connect contracting with and compensating organizations for the development of these essential CDS artifacts. This strategic focus not only fills crucial gaps in healthcare but also ensures that resources are directed toward areas of significant impact.

Furthermore, our model is designed to complement, not compete with, established CDS content creators like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network or UpToDate. By enabling these organizations to sell their content through CDS Connect, we provide a unified, standards-based platform (utilizing Clinical Quality Language, or CQL) to organize and track all CDS content. This approach fosters a collaborative ecosystem where all contributors can thrive, ensuring the widest possible dissemination and utilization of high-quality CDS artifacts.

Governance and Community: Pillars of Our Vision
At the heart of our proposal lies a strong emphasis on governance and community engagement. Through a diverse governance board and a comprehensive plan for community collaboration, we aim to foster innovation across the CDS ecosystem. It's our belief that by nurturing these relationships, CDS Connect will not only serve as a central resource but also drive quality and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Innovation as the Pathway to Sustainability
Our approach includes incentivizing the creation of CDS artifacts and enhancing their functionality with financial incentives and AI technologies. Such initiatives are designed to quicken the pace of CDS artifact creation and elevate their levels of functionality, ensuring CDS Connect remains an invaluable asset to the healthcare community.

Conclusion
Our proposal outlines a sustainable path for the growth of CDS content, addressing equity gaps and driving the adoption of CDS across the healthcare landscape. By presenting a vision that combines strategic incentives, technological advancements, and a collaborative framework, we are paving the way for a future where CDS Connect continues to lead in the integration of evidence-based care into clinical practice, benefiting providers and patients alike.

At The Health Co-Lab, we're excited about the opportunity to contribute to this transformative journey, fostering a more effective, efficient, and equitable healthcare system through the power of clinical decision support.
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