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Beta Lactam Allergy Assessment: Saving Lives One Assessment at a Time

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Beta lactam (BL) allergies are among the most commonly reported drug allergies, with ~10% of patients reporting an allergy to one or more BL antibiotics. However, nearly 90% of these patients do not demonstrate a true allergy. By clearing or clarifying these allergies using the BL assessment and skin test clinic we can decrease the incidence of multi-drug resistant infections, decrease treatment failures, decrease hospital length of stay, and save money.

This innovation is replicating across multiple facilities as its impact continues to be validated. See more replicating innovations.

Origin:

November 2016, Memphis VA Medical Center

Adoptions:

3 successful, 2 in-progress

Awards and Recognition:

Tennessee Pharmacist Association Innovative Pharmacist of the Year , iNET Spread Investee, VHA Shark Tank Winner

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Metrics

  • A in-house cost avoidance assessment was performed. We estimate ~$1200 saved by each successful assessment.

Diffusion tracker

Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)

Statuses

There are no unsuccessful adoptions for this innovation.