KEYWORDS:
Registries, Internet, Data Use, Providers
BACKGROUND:
Citywide Immunization Registry’s (CIR) direct dial-up application for accessing immunization records was introduced in 1997. To access the application, offices needed a dedicated phone line, modem and personal computer. These technical requirements made it difficult for providers to access the system, especially those in networked environments. After extensive discussions with DOH legal counsel, DOH MIS, and health care providers, the original application was upgraded to significantly improve search capabilities and look and feel, and was made Internet-accessible in the summer of 2002. These upgrades will make it easier for immunization providers to look-up patient records and report immunization information to the CIR.
OBJECTIVE(S):
To share methods used/lessons learned from developing and launching a new registry application on the Internet. To determine if Internet access for data use and reporting affects provider participation.
METHOD(S):
Review development, implementation and benefits/disadvantages of going from a direct dial-up system to an Internet-accessible system for provider access to immunization records. Review outreach/marketing required to introduce an Internet application to 1200 private office-based providers and 200 public and private facilities.
RESULT(S):
We expect rapid uptake, anticipating more than 100% increase in use from the under-utilized dial-up application. To determine if Internet access to enhanced provider application affects usage and reporting, we will analyze activity logs to compare patterns of use and numbers of users of the CIR Online Registry before and after implementation.
CONCLUSIONS(S):
Internet access to the enhanced provider application is expected to improve provider participation through easier access to immunization records and reporting mechanisms. Results will be presented at the conference.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To understand benefits of and barriers to implementing an Internet-accessible registry application.
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