Automated Temperature Monitoring Systems for Vaccine Storage

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Consider the cost/benefit of purchasing an automated temperature monitoring system (ATMS). 2. Understand the advantages of ATMS: documentation, reliability, easy of use.

Background:
Automated temperature monitoring systems have existed for several years. However, their use has generally been limited to the private sector or large hospitals. This technology is now very prevalent, with various features and price ranges so that county public health and private medical offices can afford to purchase it, and easily utilize ATMS.

Setting:
Clinics for public health and private offices which store vaccine.

Population:
Immunization program staff.

Project Description:
In a power point, present the various problems of correctly documenting temperatures for vaccine storage and the cost of refrigerator/freezer unit failure. Explore the different types of ATMS products, various features, requirements, and costs. Review the challenges of the installation and training, and the various reports available in the system we selected and their value for quality assurance, training, and monitoring equipment.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Immunization program managers who are aware of ATMS advances, affordability, and easy of use can decide whether to upgrade their current system to prevent vaccine loss due to errors in storage and documentation.