BACKGROUND:
CHILD Profile is the Washington State Health Promotion System and Immunization Registry for all parents of children from birth to age six. The health promotion component, using birth certificate data entered into and maintained in the registry, consists of seventeen mailed well-child checkup and immunization reminders and other health and safety information. As demand for electronic information increases, a pilot was developed to examine the feasibility and interest in electronic dissemination of these materials.

OBJECTIVE:
· To test and evaluate the uptake, use and cost-effectiveness of the electronic dissemination of health education materials.
· To determine whether electronic dissemination replaces mailed materials for interested population.

METHOD:
In pilot first phase, email reminders were sent to a sample of self-selected parents directing them to website materials. Second phase included postcard sent to subset of all Washington State families inviting them to participate via an electronic form. Once registered, parents receive immunization reminder and other health promotion information on-line. Participants also were asked to complete on-line surveys describing satisfaction, use and whether on-line reminders help get their children immunized. Cost and effectiveness monitored over time.

RESULT:
Preliminary results show electronic dissemination of health education materials may be effective means of communicating important immunization and other health information with families. Specifically:
· 46% said having the information electronically made it more useful;
· 85% said they would prefer getting the information electronically.
· May increase likelihood of both parents reading the materials.
A statewide pilot is currently underway to examine long-term feasibility and effectiveness. Complete results will be available in Spring 2005.

CONCLUSION:
Electronic dissemination is a cost-effective means to provide health education materials. Print materials still needed for parents who prefer mailed information and for those without computer access.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe how to develop an electronic system for disseminating health information;
Identify ways to effectively reach families with young children;
Describe methods of evaluating use and satisfaction of electronic materials.