Over 90% of reported penicillin allergies in the U.S. do not represent true allergies, but identifying false allergies is logistically challenging. We explored using electronic health record medication data to identify patients who may have prior exposure to beta-lactam antibiotics, suggesting possible tolerance. In our health system, we found that two-thirds of all allergy alerts fire for patients who may have previously received a beta-lactam. Adding this information to existing alerts could promote antibiotic stewardship.

Describe the new knowledge and additional skills the participant will gain after attending your presentation.: Attendees will be able to understand an approach to identify false penicillin allergies - which comprise 90% of all reported penicillin allergies - using data already present in the electronic health record, and to quantify the potential benefit of improving penicillin allergy pop-up alerts to reduce clinician burden and improve antibiotic stewardship.

Authors:

Nicole Van Groningen (Presenter)
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Ray Duncan, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Laura Anderson, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Aaron Kwong, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Joshua Pevnick, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Presentation Materials:

• Abstract/Manuscript - 1