KEYWORDS:
Vaccine Inventory Management, Vaccine Accountability, Systems Integration, Technology Solutions
BACKGROUND:
The Washington Immunization Program (IP) provides universal access for childhood vaccines. State and federal funds support the program, and vaccine is distributed through 35 local health districts to approximately 6000 providers. Automating vaccine inventory management, accountability, and transaction processes was needed to streamline processes, and enhance quality assurance and accountability efforts. Integration with companion systems (the registry, VACMAN, and third party distributors) was required.
OBJECTIVE:
The goal was to Improve vaccine quality assurance efforts and vaccine management practices through standardization and automation of vaccine inventory management, accountability, and transaction processes.
METHOD:
A stakeholder workgroup was formed, and workflow analyses were completed. An assessment of necessary linkages to VACMAN, the registry, and third party vaccine distributors was done. An iterative approach to software development was taken, allowing testing throughout the process. A training plan and implementation strategies were developed and implemented. Testing and early implementation findings were used to enhance the final product.
RESULT:
An automated vaccine inventory management system was developed and implemented, incorporating the capacity for inter-face with existing technology. Reporting features, and built in reminders for follow-up were included to support best practices in vaccine management. The technology was well accepted, and recognized as a valuable tool for promoting sound vaccine management practices.
CONCLUSION:
Vaccine management quality assurance and accountability are critical pieces of childhood vaccine programs. Automating the data collection process can provide staff the additional time needed for pursuing quality assurance initiatives, while providing data and tools to recognize best practices and support quality improvement efforts.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1.Describe the critical elements of planning for, developing and implementing an automated vaccine inventory management tool.
2.Describe considerations for integration with existing technology solutions.
3.Describe the benefits derived from the system that support vaccine quality assurance.
Back to Immunization Registries and Vaccine Supply Management
Back to The 2003 Immunization Registry Conference (October 27-29, 2003)