Strategies to Increase Health Care Providers Use of Population-Based Immunization Information Systems

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Purpose: Immunization information systems (IISs) are confidential, computerized information systems that collect and consolidate vaccination data from multiple health-care providers, generate reminder and recall notifications, and assess vaccination coverage within a defined geographic area. In 2008, 75% of all U.S. children aged <6 years (approximately 18 million children) participated in an IIS. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services 2010 review noted a lack of published studies showing use of IIS during clinical encounters (such as in determining vaccinations due during a clinic visit) and showing use of IIS by health care practices to conduct vaccination promotion activities (reminder/recall, identification of children overdue for recommended vaccines, vaccine ordering). This research opportunity seeks to identify effective strategies that can be practically implemented by IIS, public health systems, and health care practices to improve the practical application of IIS in the clinical setting. Through this project, current clinical uses of an IIS will be described and barriers to use of IIS functions will be identified. The project will then identify strategies to address these barriers and increase provider use of an IIS. Multiple strategies will be designed, implemented and evaluated for effectiveness in significantly improving the systematic use of IIS functions and features in the clinical setting. Improvements in the systematic use of IIS in the clinical setting include use of the IIS to increase vaccination coverage, decrease missed opportunities for vaccination, and increase efficiency in routine office practices.

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