Abstract
Background
Clinicians often disregard potentially beneficial clinical decision support (CDS).
Objective
In this study, we sought to explore the psychological and behavioral barriers to the use of a CDS tool.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study involving emergency medicine physicians and physician assistants. A semistructured interview guide was created based on the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior model. Interviews focused on the barriers to the use of a CDS tool built based on Wells’ criteria for pulmonary embolism to assist clinicians in establishing pretest probability of pulmonary embolism before imaging.
Results
Interviews were conducted with 12 clinicians. Six barriers were identified, including (1) Bayesian reasoning, (2) fear of missing a pulmonary embolism, (3) time pressure or cognitive load, (4) gestalt includes Wells’ criteria, (5) missed risk factors, and (6) social pressure.
Conclusions
Clinicians highlighted several important psychological and behavioral barriers to CDS use. Addressing these barriers will be paramount in developing CDS that can meet its potential to transform clinical care.