BACKGROUND:
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) has operated the San Antonio Immunization Registry System (SAIRS) since 1980. In 2003, a new state Hepatitis A requirement affected over 190,000 children in the Bexar County, Texas area. This new requirement, compounded with the typical increase in work produced during back-to-school time, created a unique situation for SAMHD. To meet this increased demand, SAMHD scheduled numerous Immunization Outreach Events throughout San Antonio. The problem at hand was that the SAIRS needed landlines to be accessed. Planning immunization events outside of SAMHD’s offices required tedious and costly coordination between SAMHD, the event representatives, and phone companies.

OBJECTIVE:
1. Describe benefits of using wireless technology.
2. Explain how wireless technology has been integrated
into SAIRS’ strategic planning.

METHOD:
In July 2003, SAMHD acquired wireless technology for a pilot program that would convert SAMHD immunization consent forms to a paperless format. However, SAMHD immediately realized the benefits of integrating the wireless technology into the SAIRS.

RESULT:
When SAMHD introduced wireless technology into its processes, the department seemingly unlocked many unrealized benefits of the technology. In August 2003, utilizing wireless technology, children’s shot records became accessible without traditional landlines; resulting in many immunization clinics being setup in non-traditional locations (clinic waiting rooms, conference rooms, school gymnasiums, and athletic centers). Cost savings were realized by SAMHD because vaccines were not administered that were not needed and parents did not have to stand in lines for hours for no reason.

CONCLUSION:
Within SAMHD, wireless technology has produced many positive benefits aside from its original, intended use. The cost savings gained by SAMHD have greatly outweighed wireless technology’s costs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand how wireless technology enhanced SAMHD’s
service delivery.
2. Develop ideas on how wireless technology can expand a
program’s strategic planning options.