KEYWORDS:
evaluation, assessment, intervention, immunizations, collaboration

BACKGROUND:
The Regional Early Childhood Immunization Network (RECIN) is an Internet based, real-time immunization registry deployed in both public and private provider offices in Wisconsin. All providers in Marathon County (12 providers total) use RECIN to capture and track immunization data for their patients. Providers met and created a collaborative effort to raise immunization rates in the county. RECIN created an intervention module, Tiered Intervention, which records and tracks individual patients’ intervention histories. It moves patients through an automated intervention process, which prevents duplication of services, saves time and money for providers and patients.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To raise the immunization rates of 0-2 year olds to 95% by using Tiered Intervention

METHOD(S):
A task force of public and private providers formed in the Spring of 2001 to develop collaborative efforts to raise county-wide immunization rates through the use of RECIN.

RESULT(S):
Using the Tiered Intervention module within RECIN, providers are able to work together to track and intervene on their patients. Providers designed levels of intervention outreach, or “tiers”, unique to their patient population. When patients did not respond to a tier, they were automatically moved into the next level of outreach, therefore moving them an intervention process. Beginning immunization rates were 81% in May 2001. By using Tiered Intervention, rates improved to 89% in six months. We expect to reach 95% in early 2002.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
It is possible to raise immunization rates of 0-2 year olds when all health care providers work together in collaboration towards a common goal. The use of RECIN’s Tiered Intervention module enhanced the collaborative efforts and allowed ease of tracking and outreach efforts to families.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. How to identify under-immunized 0-2 year olds
2. How to intervene using tiered intervention strategies
3. How to coordinate a county-wide collaborative effort to raise immunization rates