BACKGROUND:
Web portals have helped Michigan and other registries achieve a high level of participation from pediatric and family physicians. This participation is at risk due to increasing adoption of ambulatory electronic health record (EHR) systems in physician and clinic practices. Clinical staff do not have time or patience to enter data into two separate systems. Immunization registries must accelerate the implementation of interfaces to EHR systems in order to maintain widespread physician participation.

OBJECTIVE:
This session will help registry proponents understand the opportunities and pitfalls in developing EHR interfaces, based on real world experience and lessons learned. It will describe tools that registries can use to assess and prioritize interface projects. By focusing their efforts, registries can develop interfaces mare rapidly and economically.

METHOD:
The Michigan Childrens' Immunization Registry has featured interfaces to physician office systems since its inception in 1996. In recent years, interfaces have been extended to additional physician systems and to health plans. Some interface projects have proceeded smoothly to successful conclusion. Others have been beset by difficulties and delays.
Challenges include human factors (such as shortage of staff with needed skills), organizational limitations (such as unreasonable budgets and schedules) and technical factors (such as divergent interpretations of the HL7 standards.)
Based on lessons learned, this session will explain critical requirements, advise on alternate strategies and give tools to evaluate potential interface projects.

RESULT:
With appropriate knowledge and tools, registries can prioritize interface development and implement successful interface projects. This will maintain or increase physician participation and make effective use of limited technical resources.

CONCLUSION:
Registry interfaces to physician EHR systems can increase physician participation. They can be developed efficiently when registries assess and prioritize their interface projects.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will learn the urgency of interface development and key tools to evaluate potential interface projects.