KEYWORD1:
Videoconference, Distance Training, School health requirement

BACKGROUND:
School-based self-reported immunization assessment data from 766 public and private Hawaii schools is compiled to determine statewide immunization coverage rates. Validation surveys conducted annually found that the major factors affecting the quality of the reported data include unfamiliarity with the health requirements and documentation procedures, lack of knowledge of basic immunization terms and incorrectly determining valid vaccinations. School Administrators, Health Aides and Nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the Administrative Rules is essential for correctly reviewing students’ immunization status and submitting accurate assessment reports. Since 2001, the Hawaii Immunization Program has successfully used the statewide videoconference system to provide education on health requirements for school entry and correct reporting procedures.

OBJECTIVE:
To simultaneously reach a large number of participants; to enhance School Health Aides & Nurses’ knowledge regarding school health requirements; to increase the accuracy of the school immunization assessment report.

METHOD:
Broadcast a one-hour training session, repeated over 2 days, to 11 geographic locations via the State and Department of Education videoconference network.

RESULT:
1 The number of videoconference participants increased 5 times compared to the traditional training provided at the district Public Health Nursing sites.
2 Report quality has significantly improved, as evidenced by decreasing discrepancy between the self-reported school assessments and the validation survey.

CONCLUSION:
The videoconference-based training was well accepted. It enhanced the knowledge of participants and improved the quality of the school immunization assessment report.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
The videoconference training strategy proved to be an effective way to reach large numbers of participants and rapidly deliver up-to-date immunization information.