4183.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #4357

Washington's immunization registry: A strategic look at past, present, and future

Janna Halverson, MPH1, Sherry Riddick, RN, MPH2, David Bibus, MPH3, Kathy Carson, BSN4, M. Ward Hinds, MD, MPH2, and Bruce Miyahara, MHA5. (1) Child & Adolescent Health/CHILD Profile, Washington State Department of Health, P.O. Box 47880, Olympia, WA 98504-7880, 360-236-3554, janna.halverson@doh.wa.gov, (2) CHILD Profile, Snohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Avenue, Suite 206, Everett, WA 98201, (3) Immunization Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 999 3rd Avenue, Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98104, (4) Parent, Child, & Reproductive Health, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 999 3rd Avenue, Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98104, (5) Private Consultant, Seattle, WA 98125

Background:

CHILD Profile, Washington State's immunization registry and health promotion system, has been operational since 1993. At inception, plans for CHILD Profile were predicated on many assumptions about internal and external environments. Changes in the health care environment (such as the failure of state health care reform, health organization restructuring, tensions between providers and plans, reduced reimbursement to providers), have created unanticipated impacts on the registry's ability to move forward as originally planned. In addition, a number of other internal factors have affected the ability of providers to implement the registry. Currently, CHILD Profile is engaged in a strategic planning process that will evaluate the registry in the context of the current and anticipated environment, and develop program objectives and operating plans for near-term program issues and for sustainability over the long term.

Objective: Through a historical approach, to document stages in the development and implementation of Washington State's immunization registry, lessons learned, and anticipated future directions.

Methods: This presentation describes stages in implementation of the registry, and key external and internal environmental factors. It also summarizes successes and challenges, and concludes with a description of how strategic planning can help keep a registry on track and sustainable.

Conclusions: Many factors, internal and external, affect the implementation of a new system such as an immunization registry. Assumptions will sometimes be incorrect; change should be anticipated; and a process is needed for adaptation to change.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1) List stages in the development of Washington's registry, from planning to implementation to evaluation; 2) Describe how changes in the health care environment can affect implementation of a new system, such as an immunization registry; 3) Explain the role of strategic planning in keeping a new system on track

Keywords: Planning, Registry

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Washington State Department of Health, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Snohomish Health District
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by Washington State Department of Health

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA