Tuesday, October 19, 2004
3

Registry Anywhere: How Wireless Technology Enhanced the San Antonio Immunization Registry

BACKGROUND:
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) has operated the San Antonio Immunization Registry System (SAIRS) since 1980. In 2003, a new state vaccine requirement affected over 190,000 children in the Bexar County, Texas area. In response to the increased work load produced from back-to-school children and this new requirement, SAMHD held special Immunization Outreach Events throughout San Antonio. The use of land lines to access the SAIRS in these remote sites was often not feasible. Innovative wireless telecommunication planning and coordination soon became the answer.

OBJECTIVE:
* Describe benefits of using wireless technology.
* Explain how wireless technology fits into SAIRS strategic planning.
* Discuss future applications of wireless technology.

METHOD:
In July 2003, SAMHD acquired wireless technology for a pilot program that would convert SAMHD immunization consent forms to a paperless format. However, SAMHD immediately realized other benefits of integrating the wireless technology into the SAIRS.

RESULT:
With the introduction of wireless technology into its clinical processes, the SAMHD reaped many unexpected benefits. In August 2003, wireless technology made a child's shot records accessible without traditional landlines; resulting in many immunization clinics being setup in non-traditional locations (clinic waiting rooms, conference rooms, school gymnasiums, and athletic centers). Cost savings were realized by SAMHD as a result of more efficient use of our vaccine inventory and the reduction of labor hours.

CONCLUSION:
Wireless technology has produced many positive benefits aside from its original, intended use. The cost savings gained by SAMHD greatly outweighed the wireless equipment's costs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
* Identify how wireless technology improved SAMHD's effectiveness.
* Develop additional applications for wireless technology.
* Identify methods for improving performance.

  Recorded presentation

See more of Immunization Tracking in a Mobile Culture
See more of The 2004 Immunization Registry Conference