EMR Tool Impact on HIT Documentation and Management

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction to heparin products which results in a prothrombotic state. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia generally occurs several days after the start of unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin and is diagnosed based on clinical presentation, and presence of thrombocytopenia. HIT has an incidence of 0.1% to 5% and if recognized early can help prevent major complications. As of November 2014, the responsibility for documenting heparin allergies in the electronic medical record (EMR) has shifted from the physician/medical resident to the pharmacy resident. The purpose of this study is to compare the number, rate, and appropriateness of heparin allergy documentation in order to help decrease adverse medical events related to heparin.