Analysis of dosing-button compliance.

Purpose: A project was undertaken at an academic medical center to assess use of available dosing buttons within the computerized provider-order-entry (CPOE) system in order to identify opportunities for optimization of medication builds.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted to identify medication records within a CPOE system meeting prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. A report capturing all inpatient adult medication orders associated with the identified medication records over a 6-month period was generated.

Developing an Anti-Xa-Based Anticoagulation Protocol for Patients with Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices.

Because of the complexities associated with anticoagulation in temporary percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) recipients, a lack of standardization exists in their management. This retrospective analysis evaluates current anticoagulation practices at a single center with the aim of identifying an optimal anticoagulation strategy and protocol. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on pVAD implanted (CentriMag (Thoratec; Pleasanton, CA) / TandemHeart (CardiacAssist; Pittsburgh, PA) or Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA)), with each group individually analyzed for bleeding and thrombotic complications.