KEYWORDS:
immunization registry, focus groups, healthcare providers, barriers, mandate
BACKGROUND:
A national health objective for 2010 is to have 95% participation of children aged <6 years in fully operational population-based immunization registries. The state of Illinois is currently in the implementation phase of its statewide registry TOTS, Tracking Our Toddlers Shots.
OBJECTIVE(S):
To date, few Chicago-area providers are participating in the registry. The Chicago Area Immunization Campaign conducted a qualitative study with providers to better ascertain the barriers to registry participation and the most effective approach to increase registry usage.
METHOD(S):
Focus groups were conducted with clinicians who provide immunization services to children. Groups were conducted with providers who primarily serve privately insured children, providers who primarily serve underinsured children and mid-level (nurse practitioner and physician assistants) providers.
RESULT(S):
Results indicated that some providers have a knowledge deficit regarding the basic definition and functions of an immunization registry. The most commonly identified barriers to registry use were lack of resources, perception of the system being time intensive, low computer literacy levels among office/ clinic staff, and suspicions of data misuse. All participants agreed that a statewide mandate would be the only effective method for development of a fully functional registry.
CONCLUSIONS(S):
The Chicago Area Immunization Campaign members have implemented programs to begin addressing the most common themes identified by participants.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. To review qualitative methodology used to obtain provider insight
2. To increase knowledge of practitioner identified barriers to immunization registry
usage
3. To discuss pilot programs used to overcome perceived barriers
Back to Grow: Provider Participation and Recruitment — Part I
Back to Contributed Papers
Back to The 2002 Immunization Registry Conference of CDC