Cross-sensitivity Alerting in EMIS Web
EMIS Web provides robust allergy alerting functionalities, including the capability to manage cross-sensitivities. Cross-sensitivity occurs when a patient allergic to one drug might also react to other drugs of a related nature or within the same pharmacological group.
How Cross-sensitivities are Handled
When you record an allergy in a patient's care history, EMIS Web ensures that any potential cross-sensitivity reactions are flagged. The system uses predefined cross-sensitivity groups to generate these alerts. For instance:
A patient with a cephalosporin allergy will receive an alert under the beta-lactam group. The alert advises caution with the use of other beta-lactam antibiotics due to possible cross-sensitivity.
Configuring Allergy Codes
Accurate coding is crucial for effective cross-sensitivity management. EMIS Web supports both SNOMED CT and EMIS proprietary allergy codes:
- SNOMED CT Codes: These are recommended for their broad application and interoperability.
- EMIS Allergy Codes: Used where suitable SNOMED CT codes are unavailable.
Adding specific allergy codes enhances the reliability of alerts. EMIS Web provides functionalities to filter and select appropriate allergy codes easily, accessible through the Allergy section in the Care Record ribbon.
Benefits of Cross-sensitivity Alerting
By maintaining precise and comprehensive allergy records, healthcare professionals can significantly reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions. The alerting system not only improves patient safety but also optimises workflow by enabling quick decisions at the point of prescribing.
