KEYWORDS:
NEDSS; Databases; Registry; PHIN, Software Development
BACKGROUND:
Since 2001, the Vermont Department of Health has pursued the NEDSS approach to software development, working towards an enterprise architecture for its public health software. In addition to utilizing the NEDSS database, reusable software modules were developed for use in subsequent applications. These modules included such functions as processing names, addresses, race, etc. The Vermont Immunization Registry is the first application developed using this approach.
OBJECTIVE:
To develop a statewide immunization registry, that can be easily populated from other public health data sources such as Vital Record Births and Newborn Screening. The resulting product has to adhere to NEDSS standards in order to position this initiative with other public health automation projects.
METHOD:
The Vermont Immunization Registry resides within the NEDSS data model. The challenge is to ensure that the NEDSS model does not get altered, but rather expanded. The Vermont database can be easily upgraded to reflect changes that are made to subsequent releases of the NEDSS database model. The registry is Windows-based product, deployed through the internet, and the immunization algorithm used to calculate or forecast immunizations due is provided by the CDC. The software is developed in Visual Basic 6.0, utilizing a SQL Server database. The development methodology incorporated into the project is the Rational Unified Process, by Rational Software, Inc. – the same methodology used in the NEDSS development effort.
RESULT:
The Vermont Immunization Registry is currently being pilot tested.
CONCLUSION:
The NEDSS data model is a flexible architecture that can be quite easily adapted for a variety of public health needs, including an immunization registry.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
An understanding of the Vermont Immunization Registry and the steps taken by Department of Health to build internally, a registry following the NEDSS Model.
Handout (.ppt format, 269.0 kb)
Back to Synergy: Working Together For Registries and Public Health
Back to The 2003 Immunization Registry Conference (October 27-29, 2003)