EMR Tool Impact on HIT Documentation and Management

Prior to 2014, there was no formal process for evaluation of patients with HIT. In November of 2014, an EMR tool was created in an effort to improve heparin allergy documentation and HIT management. This EMR tool prompts the medical team to perform the 4T score, displays the appropriate HIT labs, alternative anticoagulation strategies, instructs the nurse to apply an allergy bracelet, and notifies the pharmacy resident through the order verification queue. The pharmacy resident then performs an independent 4T score, discontinues all heparin products, documents the heparin allergy in the medical record, and assesses the need for alternative anticoagulation.