KEYWORD1:
Collaboration, VFC, Coalition, AFIX, Private Providers

BACKGROUND:
The City of Pasadena has 4 public and 18 private immunization providers. A majority of them do not conduct reminder/recall programs nor attend immunization update trainings. Although immunization assessments from health plans, VFC and CHDP are valued by the providers, the numerous visits are also viewed as a disruption to their practice. To resolve this problem, the PIzC, VFC and CHDP collaborated in conducting joint immunization assessments following the Assessment, Feedback, Incentive, eXchange (AFIX) strategy.

OBJECTIVE:
To reach a 90% UTD immunization rate for children at 24-35 months old in provider offices.

METHOD:
CHDP, VFC and PIzC jointly schedule CASA assessment and VFC quality assurance review(QAR) visits with providers. PIzC enters immunization histories into CASA to determine UTD rates. Non UTD charts are given to VFC and CHDP to provide immediate feedback to the providers. A written report incorporating the CASA results with QAR findings/recommendations is shared during the feedback session.

RESULT:
Public and private providers are more receptive to a joint assessment visit than visits conducted by individual programs. This collaborated effort has allowed partnering programs access to private providers that are not affiliated with VFC or CHDP. The joint visit minimizes disruptions to provider practices and is able to provide more comprehensive feedback.

CONCLUSION:
Partnering with programs with a common goal can increase private provider participation in AFIX. The information presented can be useful in structuring future assessment and training activities for providers.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
To demonstrate the benefit of collaborative partnerships in implementing AFIX interventions.