KEYWORDS:
State and County Collaboration, Matrix Communications, Software Development

BACKGROUND:
In FY 2001-2002 the California Automated Immunization Registry web software was developed and implemented for use in 26 counties in five regional registries across California. The organizational, communication, and technical methods used can help other registry projects to succeed.

OBJECTIVE:
Coordinate the development, deployment, and support of a secure, web-based immunization registry based on an existing client/server application for use by several, independent California regions each with multiple public health jurisdictions. Rely on user input from many jurisdictions to guide design decisions. The system must meet HIPAA requirements for data confidentiality and security and be easy to learn and to maintain.

METHOD:
A public health software consulting company was hired to develop the web-based software and a Software Specialist was hired to oversee the development process and manage communications between the regions.
The Software Specialist, Project Manager and registry staff from each region conducted weekly development discussions. This workgroup produced specifications for the application and made sure that regional Help Desks were trained and operational in time for implementation.
The workgroup conducted their business solely through conference calls and web conferencing and made extensive use of E-mail and web-based project tracking tools. Challenges included statutory disclosure and reporting requirements, HIPAA guidelines, and training logistics.

RESULT:
A regional, multi-site registry system ready for implementation capable of supporting bioterrorism preparedness and poised for statewide data integration.

CONCLUSION:
When a group of experienced registry professionals teams with developers with registry and Internet experience, administrative and technical challenges can be met effectively and without delay, even when many jurisdictions are involved and the team members are geographically dispersed.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Organization structures, communications methods, software requirements, rapid response development.