Baby Track Program – the first line of defense!

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the benefit of educating new moms prior to discharge about their infant's immunizations
2. Learn about the importance of following up with moms to make sure their babies are up-to-date with their immunizations
3. Describe some benefits and challenges in working with various hospital volunteer departments

Background:
In 1981, the California Department of Health Services, in conjunction with the California Association of Hospital and Health Systems and several member hospitals, developed a program called Baby Track - a hospital-based immunization education and awareness program. Hospital volunteers educated new teen moms at bedside prior to discharge, about getting their infants immunized on time. The moms were followed up by phone call and/or postcard at 3, 5 and 7 months to ensure that their babies' immunizations were up-to-date. In the 1990's, the program expanded to educate all new moms. The program was established in San Diego County in 1983.

Setting:
Nine birthing hospitals in San Diego County

Population:
Pregnant women who give birth at the participating Baby Track Hospitals

Project Description:
After evaluation of the program over the past year new approaches were developed in the Baby Track program. .

Results/Lessons Learned:
Approximately 6,000 babies enroll in the Baby Track program each year and are followed to ensure they have been immunized on time. Developing new approaches to education is important. These include incorporating new technology, remaining current with immunization recommendations, and adapting to shorter hospital stays. Different approached are used in each of the nine hospitals.