KEYWORDS:
CASA, assessment, feedback, practice improvement, AFIX
BACKGROUND:
ImmuLink has been tracking and consolidating immunization records since 1995 and has grown to 800,000 records and 5.5 million immunizations. Two major health systems in the Minneapolis area, one public and one private, have participated the longest. Assessment and feedback were provided to them in an effort to improve practice using the AFIX method. Helpful information from our Baby Tracks immunization-tracking program was also included.
OBJECTIVE:
Analyze coverage levels recorded in the ImmuLink registry and provide feedback to clinic systems and hospitals on overall immunization coverage, coverage by zip code, missed opportunities, and vaccines with low uptake. Incorporate data and results from Baby Tracks to help increase rates.
METHOD:
Utilize ImmuLink data, CASA and GIS to assess immunization coverage levels, look for patterns, and provide feedback to two clinic systems. Incorporate Baby Tracks’ methods of success into clinic education and recommendations.
RESULT:
Opportunities for improvement include the initiation of reminders at the 6 and 12-15 month visits, education on simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines, an added effort to immunize children of color and those in zip codes identified as high risk for underimmunization, and more focus on Hepatitis B vaccine.
CONCLUSION:
Providing assessment and feedback to providers may encourage them to use the registry whenever making immunization decisions. It may also help decrease missed opportunities for simultaneous immunization at clinic appointments.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Gain understanding of the assessment and feedback processes, and be able to replicate for clinics that participate in other registries.
Back to Improving Registry Data Quality Through Provider Chart Audits
Back to The 2003 Immunization Registry Conference (October 27-29, 2003)