KEYWORD1:
Provider Education, Quality Improvement, Public-Private Partnerships, Collaboration

BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) has been presenting, “Reaching Our Goals (ROG): Office-Based Immunization Education – Effective Quality Improvement Strategies” to health care professionals in Chicago to improve vaccine administration practices and immunization rates. Funding is from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).

OBJECTIVE:
• Utilize immunization data to identify providers working in high risk areas.
• Recruit, train clinical faculty to conduct the presentation using a standardized curriculum.
• Conduct 40 ROG presentations in practices and hospitals.

METHOD:
To identify providers in need of training on immunization quality improvement strategies, ICAAP promoted the program to its membership; CDPH staff used existing outreach programs; vaccine manufacturers provided information on practices frequently visited; insurers promoted the program through provider publications. Resources and a monthly newsletter/resource mailing were distributed to participating practices.

RESULT:
Providers working in areas where immunization rates are low were targeted. Between July and December, more than 400 providers participated in presentations. Program evaluations revealed that more than 90% of participants anticipated changing behaviors/practices as a result. Many found the program very useful and indicated that they would share resources and information gained. The office-based approach, clinician-to-clinician instruction, and public-private recruitment efforts were major factors in gaining access to difficult to reach providers. Incentives such as enhanced reimbursement for immunizations for members of insurance plans, provision of resources, and CME/CEU credit were instrumental to success.

CONCLUSION:
The combined resources of ICAAP, CDPH and vaccine manufacturers improved access to providers. Leading the effort through the physicians’ own volunteer-driven membership organization and utilizing an in-office, peer-to-peer educational model improved perceptions and credibility of the program. Partnering with insurance companies on promotion/reimbursement for participation and offering CME credits served as incentives. Collaboration at all levels in program implementation was integral to achieving objectives.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
• Understand the importance of public-private partnerships to achieve education focused on quality improvement.
• Discuss barriers to engaging providers in a large urban, multicultural area.
• Discuss effective strategies for provider participation.
• Identify/utilize available resources to establish and further program goals.