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Lee J, Lindsley J, Chasler J, Streiff MB, Naik R, Shanbhag S, Dane KE. The Impact of an Antithrombotic Stewardship Program on Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Management. J Pharm Pract 2023; 36:1343-1349. [PMID: 35848327 DOI: 10.1177/08971900221116185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: An antithrombotic stewardship program was implemented to reduce IV DTI use and increase fondaparinux and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use for suspected or confirmed Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of an antithrombotic stewardship program on IV DTI utilization in patients with HIT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of adults receiving IV DTIs or fondaparinux from July 2016 to July 2017 (pre-stewardship) and October 2017 to July 2019 (post-stewardship) was conducted. Results: The median duration of IV DTI administration was not significantly different in HIT-negative patients between the pre- and post-stewardship cohorts (1.6 days (25th percentile (p25), 75th percentile (p75): .5, 3.3) vs 1.7 days (p25, p75: .9, 3.9), P = .31). The median duration of IV DTI administration in HIT-positive patients was 9.9 days (p25, p75: 7.6, 21.0) pre-stewardship and 7.3 days (p25, p75: 4.8, 16.5) post-stewardship (P = .18). For HIT-positive patients, the time from HIT diagnosis to discharge was 12.8 days (p25, p75: 8.9, 24.9) and 9.2 days (p25, p75: 4.0, 18.1) in the pre- and post-stewardship cohorts, respectively (P = .07). Fondaparinux and DOAC prescribing rates were 40.7% and 62.2% in the pre- and post-stewardship cohorts, respectively (P = .09). The percentage of patients with no contraindications to IV DTI alternatives receiving these agents increased from 31.2% to 78.6% (P = .01) following stewardship implementation. Conclusions: Intravenous DTI alternative utilization increased significantly after stewardship implementation. Stewardship implementation was associated with a non-statistically significant trend towards decreased IV DTI utilization and decreased length of stay for HIT-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, the Johns Hopkins Hospitaly, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacy, the Johns Hopkins Hospitaly, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Chasler
- Department of Pharmacy, the Johns Hopkins Hospitaly, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael B Streiff
- Division of Hematology, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rakhi Naik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Satish Shanbhag
- Hematologist/Oncologist, Cancer Specialists of North Florida, Fleming Island, FL, USA
| | - Kathryn E Dane
- Department of Pharmacy, the Johns Hopkins Hospitaly, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Cogan JC, McFarland MM, May JE, Lim MY. Quality improvement approaches to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a scoping review. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2023; 7:102219. [PMID: 38077807 PMCID: PMC10704520 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a relatively uncommon condition characterized by 2 exceedingly common phenomena in hospitalized patients: thrombocytopenia and heparin exposure. Consequently, HIT is frequently overdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. These issues are the focus of many quality improvement (QI) initiatives. Objectives In this scoping review, we identified and characterized all published QI studies on improving the diagnosis and management of HIT. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search through April 2022 for studies reporting on QI interventions regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of HIT. Results Thirty studies were included in the final review. Studies were separated into 5 groups based on the focus of the interventions: increasing HIT recognition, reducing HIT incidence, reducing HIT overdiagnosis, promoting safer HIT management, and creating HIT task forces. Nine studies focused on the implementation of 4Ts score calculator into electronic medical record orders for HIT testing, while only 1 evaluated the impact of reducing unfractionated heparin use in favor of low-molecular-weight heparin. Six studies focused on the implementation of direct thrombin inhibitor management protocols, while none evaluated the use of alternative anticoagulants in HIT management. Conclusion The bulk of published HIT QI research focused on reducing overdiagnosis and promoting safer direct thrombin inhibitor therapy, while minimal attention has been devoted to HIT prevention and the use of evidence-based alternative HIT therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Cogan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mary M. McFarland
- Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jori E. May
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Medicine Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ming Y. Lim
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Fanikos J, Tawfik Y, Almheiri D, Sylvester K, Buckley LF, Dew C, Dell'Orfano H, Armero A, Bejjani A, Bikdeli B, Campia U, Davies J, Fiumara K, Hogan H, Khairani CD, Krishnathasan D, Lou J, Makawi A, Morrison RH, Porio N, Tristani A, Connors JM, Goldhaber SZ, Piazza G. Anticoagulation-Associated Adverse Drug Events in Hospitalized Patients Across Two Time Periods. Am J Med 2023; 136:927-936.e3. [PMID: 37247752 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anticoagulants often cause adverse drug events (ADEs), comprised of medication errors and adverse drug reactions, in patients. Our study objective was to determine the clinical characteristics, types, severity, cause, and outcomes of anticoagulation-associated ADEs from 2015-2020 (a contemporary period following implementation of an electronic health record, infusion device technology, and anticoagulant dosing nomograms) and to compare them with those of a historical period (2004-2009). METHODS We reviewed all anticoagulant-associated ADEs reported as part of our hospital-wide safety system. Reviewers classified type, severity, root cause, and outcomes for each ADE according to standard definitions. Reviewers also assessed events for patient harm. Patients were followed up to 30 days after the event. RESULTS Despite implementation of enhanced patient safety technology and procedure, ADEs increased in the contemporary period. In the contemporary period, we found 925 patients who had 984 anticoagulation-associated ADEs, including 811 isolated medication errors (82.4%); 13 isolated adverse drug reactions (1.4%); and 160 combined medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or both (16.2%). Unfractionated heparin was the most frequent ADE-related anticoagulant (77.7%, contemporary period vs 58.3%, historical period). The most frequent anticoagulation-associated medication error in the contemporary period was wrong rate or frequency of administration (26.1%, n = 253), with the most frequent root cause being prescribing errors (21.3%, n = 207). The type, root cause, and harm from ADEs were similar between periods. CONCLUSIONS We found that anticoagulation-associated ADEs occurred despite advances in patient safety technologies and practices. Events were common, suggesting marginal improvements in anticoagulant safety over time and ample opportunities for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Fanikos
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Yahya Tawfik
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Danya Almheiri
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Katelyn Sylvester
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Leo F Buckley
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Chris Dew
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Heather Dell'Orfano
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Andre Armero
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Antoine Bejjani
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Behnood Bikdeli
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Umberto Campia
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Julia Davies
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Karen Fiumara
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Heather Hogan
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Candrika Dini Khairani
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Darsiya Krishnathasan
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Junyang Lou
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Alaa Makawi
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Ruth H Morrison
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Nicole Porio
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Anthony Tristani
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Jean M Connors
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Samuel Z Goldhaber
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Gregory Piazza
- Thrombosis Research Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
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Talledo J, Cho HJ, Alaiev D, Israilov S, Chandra K, Zaurova M, Manchego PA, Shin D, Tsega S, Krouss M. Reducing Inappropriate Simultaneous Ordering of Heparin Antibody and Serotonin Release Assays. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2023; 49:306-312. [PMID: 37137754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A 4T score with intermediate or high probability of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia prompts ordering of anti-platelet 4 heparin complex. If positive, a serotonin release assay (SRA) is recommended to confirm diagnosis. Despite these recommendations, overtesting of both anti-platelet 4 and SRA is highly prevalent. METHODS This was a quality improvement initiative using two forms of clinical decision support across 11 acute care hospitals. First, a 4T calculator was incorporated into anti-platelet 4 orders. Second, a Best Practice Advisory fired when anti-platelet 4 and SRA were ordered simultaneously, prompting the provider to remove the SRA order. Data were analyzed by a quasi-experimental interrupted time series linear regression comparing weekly average laboratory tests per 1,000 patient-days pre- and postintervention. RESULTS Average ordering frequency of anti-platelet 4 changed from 0.508 to 0.510 per 1,000 patient-days (0.5%, p = 0.42) without significant slope or level differences. Average ordering frequency of SRA decreased from 0.430 to 0.289 per 1,000 patient-days (32.8%, p < 0.001) with a significant level difference of -0.128 orders per 1,000 patient-days (-31.2%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION A simultaneous Best Practice Advisory was effective in reducing SRA orders, but not anti-platelet 4 orders.
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Porres-Aguilar M, Ansell J, Mukherjee D, Cota-Rangel X, Martínez-Zubieta R, Carrillo-Esper R, Burnett AE. Impact of Hospital-based Multidisciplinary Anticoagulation Stewardship Programs. Arch Med Res 2023; 54:1-6. [PMID: 36481128 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antithrombotic therapies, especially anticoagulants, are high-risk medications with increased potential for adverse events. The development and implementation of a well-functioning, designated, multidisciplinary anticoagulation stewardship program (MASP), tailored to each hospital-center's needs, has the primary objectives of improving patient-centered outcomes, minimizing undesirable anticoagulation-related adverse events and minimizing hospital length of stay (LOS) and other patient-related costs. Such stewardship programs are pivotal in supporting busy clinicians with consultation on challenging clinical case scenarios, ensuring appropriate use of valuable healthcare resources, achieving compliance with anticoagulant-associated accreditation standards, and positively impacting patient-specific morbidity/mortality outcomes. Herein, we review and discuss the critical need for antithrombosis stewardship and the benefit of formalized MASP in optimizing use of antithrombotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Porres-Aguilar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Hospital and Adult Thrombosis Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, Texas, USA; Sociedad Mexicana de Trombosis y Hemostasia, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Jack Ansell
- Department of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA; Anticoagulation Forum, Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Debabrata Mukherjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Xóchitl Cota-Rangel
- Sociedad Mexicana de Trombosis y Hemostasia, Ciudad de México, México; Departamento de Hematología, Hospital Medica Avanzada Contigo, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Ricardo Martínez-Zubieta
- Sociedad Mexicana de Trombosis y Hemostasia, Ciudad de México, México; Direción Medica, Hospital Español de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Raúl Carrillo-Esper
- Sociedad Mexicana de Trombosis y Hemostasia, Ciudad de México, México; Departamento de Medicina Intensiva y Unidad de Quemados, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Guillermo Ibarra, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Allison E Burnett
- Anticoagulation Forum, Newton, Massachusetts, USA; Inpatient Pharmacy Department, University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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6
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Arnall JR, Moore DC, Michael M, Wolcott M, Cowgill N. Measuring the Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Blood Factor Education Program: A Prospective, Single-Center Observational Study. Hosp Pharm 2022; 58:282-288. [DOI: 10.1177/00185787221137901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with bleeding disorders are best served by multidisciplinary teams. Pharmacists can play a critical role in the optimal management of patients with bleeding disorders through blood factor stewardship strategies and programs. An educational program was developed and implemented wherein a hematology pharmacist provided brief recorded lectures to an entire department of pharmacists in a multi-site health-system with the goal to improve the knowledge base and confidence among this population of general practitioners. Methods: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the educational outcomes of a blood factor education program for pharmacists. The impact of the educational program was determined by measuring the difference in mean test scores between the pre- and post-program surveys. Results: The final analysis included 214 participants. The primary endpoint of mean competency test score was significantly improved in the post-test compared to pre-test (78.33% vs 52.83%; P < .0001). Any degree of test score improvement was observed in 99% ( n = 212) of participants. Pharmacist confidence was significantly improved in all 20 domains of bleeding disorders and blood factor product verification and management. Conclusion: This program identified that most pharmacists in a large multi-site health-system were not familiar with bleeding disorders to a satisfactory degree, commonly because of the relative rare encounters with bleeding disorder-related orders, and that despite systems-based support there was an opportunity to improve practice through education. Such educational programming could be beneficial for the development of pharmacist-provided care and is a measure that could be implemented as part of blood factor stewardship initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Arnall
- Specialty Pharmacy Servivce, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Donald C Moore
- Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Concord, NC, USA
| | - Meghan Michael
- Specialty Pharmacy Servivce, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Michael Wolcott
- High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Nicole Cowgill
- Specialty Pharmacy Servivce, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
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Inglis LN, Triller DM, Burnett AE, Grandoni J, Matta L, Sylvester K, Dager WE, Gulseth MP, Fanikos J. Creation of a novel specialty residency in thrombosis and hemostasis management. J Am Coll Clin Pharm 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Allison E. Burnett
- Department of Pharmacy Services University of New Mexico Hospital Albuquerque New Mexico USA
| | - Jessica Grandoni
- Department of Pharmacy Services Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Lina Matta
- Department of Pharmacy Services Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Katelyn Sylvester
- Department of Pharmacy Services Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - William E. Dager
- Department of Pharmacy Services UC Davis Medical Center Sacramento California USA
| | - Michael P. Gulseth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services Sanford USD Medical Center Sioux Falls South Dakota USA
| | - John Fanikos
- Department of Pharmacy Services Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
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Albuloushi A, Rhoten M, Kelly J, Sylvester KW, Grandoni J, Connors JM. Evaluation of the use of direct oral anticoagulants for the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2022; 54:597-604. [PMID: 36129561 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-022-02705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Historically, treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) includes a non-heparin parenteral anticoagulant with bridging to warfarin once platelets recover. Data supporting the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for HIT treatment are limited. Given the paucity of evidence for the use of DOACs in HIT, the aim of this study is to describe the prescribing patterns of DOACs for HIT at our institution. This is a single center, retrospective chart evaluation of patients admitted from January 2017 to October 2020 with a confirmed diagnosis of HIT. Twenty-six patients were identified; 21 patients (81%) received initial parenteral treatment and 5 patients (19.2%) with initial DOAC treatment. The most frequently used DOAC was apixaban at the VTE treatment dose [15 (57.7%)] followed by the reduced dose of apixaban [5 (19.2%)]. Of the patients initially treated with a parenteral agent, 11 (42.3%) were transitioned to a DOAC after platelet recovery, 7 (26.9%) transitioned as platelets were steadily increasing, and 3 (11.5%) transitioned at the time of discharge (prior to platelet recovery). Platelet recovery was achieved in 23 patients (88.5%) at a median of 5 days (IQR 2.8-8.3) after HIT diagnosis. No new thrombotic or bleeding events occurred within 30 days of HIT diagnosis. In our patients treated with a DOAC for HIT, no progression of HIT was observed. Apixaban was the most frequently utilized DOAC. Most patients received a parenteral anticoagulant prior to DOAC initiation. All patients managed with a DOAC as initial treatment achieved platelet recovery within 30 days of HIT diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Albuloushi
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Megan Rhoten
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Kelly
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jessica Grandoni
- Department of Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jean M Connors
- Hematology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Chong J, Curtain C, Gad F, Passam F, Soo G, Levy R, Dunkley S, Wong Doo N, Cunich M, Burke R, Chen V. Development and implementation of venous thromboembolism stewardship across a hospital network. Int J Med Inform 2021; 155:104575. [PMID: 34560489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of preventable death in hospital. Ensuring all hospitalized patients are assessed for VTE risk and given appropriate prophylaxis can reduce the burden of VTE on patients and the healthcare system. This is the first study to explore the effectiveness of a VTE stewardship program using electronic clinical decision support (eCDS) to provide oversight of hospital initiatives to prevent VTE. AIM To determine if a VTE stewardship program can increase risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis, VTE risk assessment using eCDS, any documented risk assessment and risk assessment within 24 h of admission, plus reduce the incidence of hospital acquired VTE (HA-VTE). METHODS Education, daily medication chart auditing, weekly clinician performance feedback, health promotion and gamification were deployed over 6 months by two multidisciplinary VTE stewardship teams across four hospitals. Service impact was assessed through cross-sectional audits of electronic medical records every 3 months and review of HA-VTE events pre- and post-intervention. Implementation costs were calculated. RESULTS A total of 1622 patients were audited in separate cohorts at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. There was significant improvement in the prescription of appropriate prophylaxis (78%, 83%, 84%, and 88%, p = 0.004), VTE risk assessment using the eCDS tool (20%, 50%, 81% and 87%, p < 0.001), any documented risk assessment (71%, 82%, 95% and 93%, p < 0.001) and any documented risk assessment within 24 h of admission (54%, 56%, 65% and 63%, p = 0.001). Use of eCDS was associated with prescription of risk-appropriate VTE prophylaxis (p < 0.001). Annual incidence of HA-VTE decreased from 7.88 to 6.99 events per 10,000 discharges pre- to post-intervention (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.89, 95 %CI 0.66-1.18, p = 0.43). The cost of implementing the program across 133,078 episodes of care during the study period was AUD$108,167 (mean cost of $0.82 per patient).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Chong
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Colin Curtain
- University of Tasmania, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hobart, Australia
| | - Fady Gad
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Sydney, Australia
| | - Freda Passam
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Department of Hematology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Garry Soo
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell Levy
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott Dunkley
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Department of Hematology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Wong Doo
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Department of Hematology, Sydney, Australia; University of Sydney, Concord Clinical School, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Cunich
- University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health (Central Clinical School), Sydney, Australia; Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Health Economics Collaborative, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Executive Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vivien Chen
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Department of Hematology, Sydney, Australia; Anzac Research Institute, Concord, Sydney, Australia; University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Northam KA, Chen SL, Stivers AP, Cicci JD, Hedrick TL, Rollins-Raval MA, Kasthuri RS. Impact of a multidisciplinary workflow on safety and management of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2020; 78:49-59. [PMID: 33103184 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication of heparin administration. Management strategies are complex and include discontinuing heparin products, initiating alternative anticoagulants, interpreting laboratory test results, documenting heparin allergies, and providing patient education. Medication error reports and a retrospective review conducted at an academic medical center revealed an opportunity for a quality improvement initiative and led to the creation of a multidisciplinary workflow for the management of HIT. In a pre-post study, the impact of the multidisciplinary workflow on the safety and management of HIT was evaluated. METHODS The preimplementation group consisted of adult patients tested for suspected HIT from April 4, 2014, through May 31, 2016; the postimplementation group consisted of adult patients tested from November 1, 2016, through October 31, 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of heparin product administration while HIT testing was ongoing. The secondary outcome was the rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation. RESULTS The incidence of heparin product administration while HIT testing results were pending was significantly reduced, from 54.2% to 20.0% (P < 0.001), after workflow implementation. The rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation significantly increased, from 95.0% to 100% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Implementation of a multidisciplinary workflow for the management of HIT significantly reduced the incidence of heparin administration while testing was ongoing and improved the rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalynn A Northam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Sheh-Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Andrew P Stivers
- Department of Pharmacy, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jonathan D Cicci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Tanner L Hedrick
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Raj S Kasthuri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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11
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Johnston KM, Lakzadeh P, Donato BMK, Szabo SM. Methods of sample size calculation in descriptive retrospective burden of illness studies. BMC Med Res Methodol 2019; 19:9. [PMID: 30626343 PMCID: PMC6325730 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Observational burden of illness studies are used in pharmacoepidemiology to address a variety of objectives, including contextualizing the current treatment setting, identifying important treatment gaps, and providing estimates to parameterize economic models. Methodologies such as retrospective chart review may be utilized in settings for which existing datasets are not available or do not include sufficient clinical detail. While specifying the number of charts to be extracted and/or determining whether the number that can feasibly extracted will be clinically meaningful is an important study design consideration, there is a lack of rigorous methods available for sample size calculation in this setting. The objective of this study was to develop recommended sample size calculations for use in such studies. Methods Calculations for identifying the optimal feasible sample size calculations were derived, for studies characterizing treatment patterns and medical costs, based on the ability to comprehensively observe treatments and maximize precision of resulting 95% confidence intervals. For cost outcomes, if the standard deviation is not known, the coefficient of variation cv can be used as an alternative. A case study of a chart review of advanced melanoma (MELODY) was used to characterize plausible values for cv in a real-world example. Results Across sample sizes, any treatment given with greater than 1% frequency has a high likelihood of being observed. For a sample of size 200, and a treatment given to 5% of the population, the precision of a 95% confidence interval (CI) is expected to be ±0.03. For cost outcomes, for the median cv value observed in the MELODY study (0.72), a sample size of approximately 200 would be required to generate a 95% CI precise to within ±10% of the mean. Conclusion This study presents a formal guidance on sample size calculations for retrospective burden of illness studies. The approach presented here is methodologically rigorous and designed for practical application in real-world retrospective chart review studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12874-018-0657-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa M Johnston
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, 343 Railway St Vancouver BC, Vancouver, V6A 1A4, Canada. .,Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
| | - Pardis Lakzadeh
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, 343 Railway St Vancouver BC, Vancouver, V6A 1A4, Canada
| | | | - Shelagh M Szabo
- Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research, 343 Railway St Vancouver BC, Vancouver, V6A 1A4, Canada
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Abstract
A high frequency of PF4-ELISA testing in patients suspected to have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) despite low 4T scores has been observed in multiple medical centers. Education of clinicians has been suggested to reduce inappropriate testing. We determined trends of PF4-ELISA testing in our institution after the introduction of a HIT education program for clinicians. A HIT Program was developed that included ongoing education, individual feedback, and continuous clinical audit of PF4-ELISA utilization. To assess the impact of education on PF4-ELISA testing trends, we conducted a prospective cohort review of all adult patients who had a PF4-ELISA ordered over a 3 month period (the last quarter of the academic year). 72 PF4-ELISA tests were ordered during the study period. Prospectively calculated 4T scores by investigators revealed 60 low-risk (83.3%), 9 intermediate-risk (12.5%), and 3 high-risk (4.16%). We observed divergent 4T scores with the ordering clinician calculating a higher 4T score compared to the Hematology Quality Improvement (QI) team. The majority of PF4-ELISA testing was ordered by the intensive care units (ICUs) (n = 32, 44.44%). Our study revealed that the frequency of calculation of 4T scores remains poor with the majority inappropriately performed in the ICU setting, with ordering clinicians calculating higher 4T scores than the Hematology QI team. This suggests that clinician education alone is insufficient. Introducing mandatory 4T score calculation prior to PF4-ELISA testing may not be helpful as ordering clinicians can bypass the restriction through inaccurate 4T score calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pannaga Malalur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin St, MSC 635, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Charles Greenberg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin St, MSC 635, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Ming Y Lim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin St, MSC 635, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Lim MY, Foster J, Rourk A, Greenberg CS. Initial and long term impact of a multi-disciplinary task force in the diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2017; 45:130-134. [PMID: 29185142 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-017-1592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many medical centers are faced with a major challenge in making an accurate diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and ensuring appropriate changes in management strategy in line with guideline recommendations. We report the initial and long-term impact and challenges of institution-wide changes in the diagnosis and management of HIT in the inpatient setting at an academic medical center. We established a HIT Task Force, consisting of a multidisciplinary team of non-malignant hematologists, nursing, pharmacist, pathology, blood bank and clinical lab informatics. Changes were implemented from 2011 to 2012. In 2013, testing for PF4 and SRA decreased by 37.5 and 85%, respectively. 100% of positive PF4 received an automatic hematology consult to guide management, leading to a 78% reduction in the use of direct thrombin inhibitors. Annual audits in the subsequent years demonstrated increasing testing for HIT due to changes in the electronic ordering system. Through continuous monitoring, these shortfalls were detected and intervene early on with continued success. The implementation of a centralized hospital-wide protocol via a multidisciplinary task force that coordinates testing and treatment of patients suspected of having HIT led to a substantial reduction in PF4 and SRA testing, as well as use of DTIs, resulting in a safe and cost-effective approach for the diagnosis and treatment of HIT. Our study highlights the important of continuous monitoring to maintain the improvements made. Despite our initial success, annual re-auditing allowed for early detection of challenges, which then allowed appropriate early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Y Lim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin Street, MSC 635, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Joyce Foster
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Angela Rourk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Charles S Greenberg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 39 Sabin Street, MSC 635, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Black A, Heimerl S, Oertli L, Wilczek W, Greinacher A, Spannagl M, Herr W, Hart C. Implementation of a rapid HIT immunoassay at a university hospital - Retrospective analysis of HIT laboratory orders in patients with thrombocytopenia. Thromb Res 2017; 158:65-70. [PMID: 28843825 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare cause of thrombocytopenia and a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. Clinical overdiagnosis of HIT results in costly laboratory tests and anticoagulation. Criteria and algorithms for diagnosis are established, but their translation into clinical practice is still challenging. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In a retrospective approach we studied all HIT related laboratory test requests within four years and evaluated data before (1st period, 24month) and after (2nd period, 24month) replacing particle gel immunoassay (PaGIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). HIT was confirmed by heparin-induced platelet activation (HIPA) test. Clinical pretest probability for HIT using an implemented simplified 4Ts score and platelet count were evaluated. Costs for laboratory tests and alternative anticoagulation were calculated. RESULTS In 1850 patients with suspected HIT, 2327 laboratory orders were performed. In 87.2% of these orders an intermediate/high simplified 4Ts score was found. Thrombocytopenia was present in 87.1%. After replacing PaGIA and ELISA by CLIA the number of immunological and functional laboratory tests was reduced by 38.2%. The number of positive HIT immunoassays declined from 22.6% to 6.0%, while the number of positive HIPA tests among positive immunological tests increased by 19%. Altogether, acute HIT was confirmed in 59 patients. A decline in the use of alternative anticoagulants was observed in the 2nd period. CONCLUSION Our study shows that in a university hospital setting HIT is well-known, but diagnosis requires a precise laboratory confirmation. Replacing PaGIA and ELISA by CLIA did not influence laboratory order behavior but results in reduced overall costs for laboratory diagnostics and alternative anticoagulation.
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Wychowski MK, Ruscio CI, Kouides PA, Sham RL. The scope and value of an anticoagulation stewardship program at a community teaching hospital. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2016; 43:380-386. [DOI: 10.1007/s11239-016-1455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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