KEYWORDS:
registries, evaluation, technology, Internet

BACKGROUND:
Funding for immunization registries peaked in the mid-1990's. Many projects that established themselves during this period now find that their technology has aged and they are not prepared to meet either the expectations of users for web-based access, or for new, emerging needs of their programs for bio-terrorism preparedness. As funding becomes even tighter, jurisdictions must assess their projects in order to validate current strategies or change direction.

OBJECTIVE:
To assess three early, successful registry projects whose technology has eclipsed and help them plot a new direction.

METHOD:
Through the use of a structured methodology, we reviewed registry projects in Rhode Island, Philadelphia, and Washington. Their current technical architecture and programmatic initiatives were analyzed and documented. Needs assessments were completed. A set of strategic options and recommendations was presented to each jurisdiction.

RESULT:
Though the initial technologies were similar across projects, the outcomes of the assessments varied due to differences in the current political, financial, and technical landscape.

CONCLUSION:
Periodic strategic assessment is a useful tool in validating or adjusting a project's course.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Methodologies for assessing information technology projects.