BACKGROUND:
Unless providers utilize the tools available within an immunization registry, they may never fully realize the benefits of registry participation. Offices taking a passive approach to the registry may only enter data as patients are seen. If the registry mails reminder postcards for providers, staff may discontinue any additional routine immunization follow-up. The Riverside County (California) Department of Public Health Family Care Centers (FCCs) did not fully utilize the tools available within the VaxTrack Registry, and this contributed to their low CASA audit results.

OBJECTIVE:
To illustrate how proactive use of immunization registry tools can help improve CASA audit results.

METHOD:
The Clinic Referrals report lists demographic and vaccine information for children 3 years and younger to whom a reminder/recall postcard is sent. Providers who use the report can improve up-to-date rates by contacting parents whose children need immunizations and scheduling appointments. The report also allows providers to identify any children who have moved or gone elsewhere, and thus need to be excluded from future CASA audits. Although the FCCs were receiving this report, it was never used. After a second year of unsatisfactory CASA results, the registry components of the corrective action plan included reinforcing the policy and procedure for the Clinic Referrals report. VaxTrack staff also used education, encouragement and friendly competition to effect changes in clinic operations.

RESULT:
Seven of nine FCCs met or exceeded the improvement goals set for them. Three of the FCCs had dramatic improvements, increasing their up-to-date rates from 31.5%, 27.2% and 36.4% to 81.0%, 71.7%, and 72.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:
Taking a proactive approach to using an immunization registry by utilizing available tools helps providers realize the benefits of registry participation by decreasing missed opportunities and improving immunization coverage rates.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will describe how proactive use of registry tools can improve CASA audit results.