BACKGROUND:
The Automated Identification of Vaccines (Bar Coding) project pilot tests the use of a bar code scanning process to automatically record immunization information into a client health record through an online database.
Canada is the first country in the world to develop a comprehensive vaccine database for health professionals and to test the use of bar code scanning technology on vaccine products to automatically update electronic immunization registries and/or client records. The database was designed with input from national and international experts, and is compliant with the architecture for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) as specified by Canada Health Infoway.

OBJECTIVE:
This project is expected to show that quality of immunization record keeping will be improved through more accurate, timely, and complete uploading of vaccine information from the bar code scan to the client health record, through a relational database. In addition, the project will determine the level of user acceptance of the technology on routine clinical practice.

METHOD:
Three sites in Canada will pilot test the use of bar coding technology during actual immunization encounters in public health settings and private physicians' offices. The pilot will run in each site until it is tested on 400 clients.
The evaluation plan includes both a descriptive and analytic component. There will be a comparison of pre-pilot (baseline) and post-pilot data on completeness and accuracy of immunization data using both manual and automated methods. It will also examine the efficiency of data capture using both methods, and an analysis of staff satisfaction levels with use of the new technology. Data collection tools include interviews, surveys, chart audits, observed time trials, and problem reporting.

RESULT:
The pilot sites launch the project in January, 2005. Preliminary results will be available at the conference in March 2005.

CONCLUSION:


LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. To understand the technology and research methods used in the bar coding pilot project
2. To learn about preliminary results that will guide final recommendations and analysis.