Use of Optical Mark Recognition technology In Mass Immunization Clinics

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Define Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology and the advantages/limitations.
2. Identify opportunities to utilize (OMR) technology within their program, including mass immunizations.
3. Apply knowledge in selecting and designing OMR fields for mass immunizations.

Background:
The technology of data collection has made many advances over the well know “Scanton” format. OMR data collection programs are well utilized in the educational and private sectors for grading, surveys etc. Public Health programs have traditionally not researched or have the experience of utilizing OMR technology in clinic operations. The future data collection needs of mass immunization clinics warrant a realistic look into the advantages and disadvantages of this very affordable technology.

Setting:
Various public health settings including clinic surveys, mass IZ clinics.

Population:
Immunization Program Managers, Emergency Response personnel.

Project Description:
Public health professionals are provided with a brief overview of OMR vs OCR technology and the advantages/limitations/ of each in a power point presentation, with a suggestion on how to research different companies and select an appropriate method of scanning data collection. Provide an opportunity of the participants to suggest different ways they could utilize this in the area of public health. Review the considerations SLO County PHD made in collecting data for a mass immunization clinic. Distribute a sample OMR form utilized in a mass vaccination clinic exercise, and discuss what worked and did not work well, review the data reports, and the time needed to learn the software, develop the forms, and process the forms.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Public health professionals who are aware of how the advances of scanning technology have progressed and the many possible uses – small settings vs very large settings, can decide to bring OMR/OCR in-house and be better able to respond with the data collection needs in a mass vaccination clinic.