The heparin-induced thrombocytopenia task force model: implementing quality improvement and economic outcome initiatives.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a costly but potentially preventable complication associated with the use of heparin. Based on a 1% to 3% incidence of HIT, the total cost and potential financial loss due to HIT complicating open-heart surgery is estimated to range from over 100 to 300 million dollars and from over 33 to 100 million dollars annually, respectively, in the United States. To minimize the personal and economic cost of HIT, the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) HIT Task Force developed institutional guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, educated medical staff and patients, and took measures institution-wide to reduce patient exposures to heparin.