Enhancing Childhood Immunization Practices Through Partnership: Collaboration of the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network and the State of Oregon Immunization Program

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Recognize opportunities to engage practices in quality improvement programs through partnership of a Practice-Based Research Network and state immunization program.
2. Apply a participatory mixed-methods approach to understanding and describing childhood immunization practices.

Background:
Immunization quality improvement initiatives in primary care practices require a high level of engagement by the practice staff and clinicians. Practice-based research networks, such as Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN), are well-positioned to partner with state immunization programs to engage practices in such quality improvement strategies.

Setting:
Rural Oregon

Population:
Primary care clinicians and practices that provide immunizations to children, ages 0 to 3 years of age.

Project Description:
The Rural Oregon Immunization Initiative (ROII) is a mixed-methods study with two primary objectives: 1) describe current immunization practices and opinions, 2) engage practices in implementing quality improvement activities. Data were collected in two phases: 1) quantitative statewide survey of rural primary care clinicians providing care to children ages 0 to 3 years, 2) quantitative and qualitative assessment of 11 rural practices (chart reviews; observations; interviews with clinicians clinic staff, parents, and county health personnel). A written practice-specific report of the Phase 1 and 2 results was developed, and then presented and discussed in person with each Phase 2 practice. A state immunization program health educator next presented practice-specific immunization rates and discussed the opportunity to participate in the state immunization quality improvement program, AFIX (Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, and Exchange).

Results/Lessons Learned:
All Phase 2 practices receiving in-person presentations of practice-specific reports and their rates decided to engage in the AFIX program. A partnership that combines the expertise and resources of the state immunization program with the practice-based research network, ORPRN, suggests considerable potential to engage practices in improving childhood immunization practices.