KEYWORDS:
Immunization Registry, Support

BACKGROUND:
As a regional immunization registry evolves in its deployment, many challenges are faced in order to continue to meet the ongoing objectives of an immunization registry. One of the largest challenges for any immunization registry is the creation of a structure to support the registry. Many presumed that support would be much like traditional software support, but due to many of the unique challenges faced with immunization registries; this has had to evolve into a broader definition.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To create a model for immunization registry support that can effectively maintain ongoing participation from the participants of an Immunization Registry.

METHOD(S):
As the developer of Immunization Registries it has been necessary to change the model used for support. An initial model was created using a “team orientation” to the development and deployment of the registry. This team orientation was successful at developing a piece of immunization registry software that was used by clinicians. The challenge then was how to monitor and encourage participants to continue to use this “free” software in the ever demanding world of health care delivery. A second level of support had to be created and deployed.

RESULT(S):
Awareness for the need of “non-application” support system was identified and deployed.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
It is imperative for the successful deployment of an Immunization Registry that the decision makers are aware of and familiar with the critical nature of a strong support infrastructure.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To better understand key support infrastructure needs in the deployment of a registry.