CDS Hooks
Clinical Decision Support Hooks, a standard for invoking external decision support services from within an EHR workflow at specific trigger points.
CDS Hooks defines trigger points (hooks) like patient-view, order-select, and order-sign where the EHR calls an external CDS service. The service returns cards with suggestions, warnings, or links. CDS Hooks uses FHIR resources as context and works alongside SMART on FHIR for app launch. It enables third-party clinical intelligence without modifying the EHR itself.
FAQ
- How do CDS Hooks work with an EHR?
- The EHR fires a hook at a defined workflow point (e.g. when a doctor opens a chart). It sends patient context to a CDS service URL. The service returns cards with recommendations that display inline in the EHR.
- What is the difference between CDS Hooks and SMART on FHIR?
- CDS Hooks provides inline decision support cards triggered by EHR events. SMART on FHIR launches full applications inside the EHR. They are complementary: a CDS Hook card can include a SMART app launch link.