KEYWORDS:
technology providers internet
BACKGROUND:
Since 1999 Immunization ALERT has had a successful customer service line for provider access to immunization histories. In 2001 ALERT added on-line search capability via a secure website for authorized users.
OBJECTIVE(S):
Examine the methods to deploy secure access to registry data via the internet. The immunization history searches had to be secure, fast, easy to use, easy to maintain for ALERT staff, available 24 hours a day and require no technical investment at the user sites other than access to the Internet.
METHOD(S):
The ALERT web developer used Active Server Pages to develop the site. There is a separate web server with a limited subset of ALERT data connected to a separate telecommunications line. An on-line survey was available to users at all times for continuous feedback from users.
RESULT(S):
The ALERT website has met all the project objectives. Authorized users produce an average of 10,000 immunization histories each month for ages kids 0-14. The response time to find a child among over one million records is <3 seconds. Survey results from site users are very positive. Oregon's largest school district showed that use of ALERT's web access reduced the number of potential school exclusions due to missing data by about 40%.
CONCLUSIONS(S):
Internet web searches for histories from ALERT has been efficient and effective for clinics, schools and ALERT staff. The web has also proved to be a valuable data quality and improvement tool. The potential for substantial time and money savings for schools is clear.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will understand the deployment of ALERT's internet-based search capability including technical challenges, security issues, limitations, use of on-line satisfaction surveys, site enchancements, and plans for future enhancements.
Back to Grow: Technical Challenges and Innovations — Part III
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