Systematic Approach to Analysis of Immunization Information Systems Operations and Processes

Objectives: This presentation will illustrate the systematic methods the authors used to describe best practices for common operations and processes in immunization information systems (IIS).  The proposed approach utilizes business modeling techniques in collaborative settings to analyze current practices and document consensus-based best practices recommendations. The alignment of operations and processes along recommended best practices improve consistency and comparability of IIS data.

Methods: Systematic business modeling techniques were used to support analysis of IIS operations.  This resulted in the development of best practices documented through business rules, operational scenarios, and diagrams reflecting process, organizational, and informational aspects. The facilitation techniques were used to support collaborations and consensus building among contributors in face-to-face and web-based teleconference settings.

Results: The presented collaborative approach has been used repeatedly to elicit and document best practice recommendations in immunizations information systems (IIS). Case studies for various aspects of IIS operations, such as management of patient’s immunization status, vaccination level deduplication, and data quality assurance will be presented.

Conclusions: Implementation of a collaborative business modeling approach to develop best practice recommendations for public health systems promotes alignment of operations and processes along collaborative, consensus-based guidelines. Our experiences support effectiveness of this approach in immunization tracking settings. The methods and processes used in this analysis may be adopted as PHIN guidance for soliciting and modeling operational needs and requirements for some public health information systems.