Enhancing Outpatient Care Efficiency through Digital Prescription Decision-Support Systems

Abstract

Outpatient care is increasingly challenged by rising pharmaceutical costs, prescribing errors, and medication non-

adherence. Digital Clinical Decision-Support Systems (CDSS) integrated into electronic health records (EHRs) have

emerged as powerful tools for optimizing prescribing practices. This paper examines the impact of CDSS on

outpatient prescription management, with emphasis on drug safety, substitution optimization, and adherence

monitoring. Through a mixed-methods analysis of prescription data and clinician interviews, the study evaluates the

effectiveness of CDSS in reducing inappropriate prescribing, improving adherence, and lowering costs. Results

suggest that CDSS can reduce prescribing errors by 18%, increase generic substitution uptake by 15%, and improve

adherence by 12%. These findings indicate that smart digital platforms, when integrated with substitution

frameworks, can significantly enhance the sustainability, safety, and equity of outpatient prescription systems.