Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation the participants will be able to:
1) List three elements for successful implementation of dose tracking.
a) Providers understand the purpose of dose tracking.
b) Dose tracking procedures are easy to understand and are adaptable to each provider's circumstances.
c) Follow-up is consistent.



Background:
The Pennsylvania Vaccines for Children Program (private sector) implemented dose tracking in January 2005, including quarterly reporting of doses administered and inventory on hand. We anticipated that some providers would react negatively to the increase in paperwork and that some would withdraw from the program rather than comply. We were pleasantly surprised at providers' cooperation.


Setting:
Pennsylvania is the fifth most populous state, with more than 1,500 private providers enrolled in Vaccines for Children program. VFC practices are located in both rural and urban areas and range from very small to very large.


Population:
VFC contacts (physicians, office managers, immunization nurses, office staff).


Project Description:
Providers were introduced to dose tracking implementation and its purpose in the fall 2004 edition of the quarterly newsletter. Forms and instructions were mailed to providers in early December. Providers had choices of methods of tracking and reporting, according to which best fit their practice size and office routine. Providers who were non-compliant were not able to place a vaccine order until the required forms were submitted.


Results/Lessons Learned:
We achieved close to 90 percent compliance. Few providers complained and none withdrew from the program because of the new requirement. Providers will cooperate with a new and time-consuming procedure when they comprehend its purpose; when they can choose the methods that best fit their practice; and when there is a clear advantage to timely compliance.