Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2023 Mar 30:S1553-7250(23)00083-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.03.007. Online ahead of print.
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.
PMID:37137754 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.03.007