Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
23:56
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Determining immunisation coverage rates in primary health care practices: a simple goal but a complex task
Felicity Goodyear-Smith1, Cameron Grant, Deon York
1Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. f.goodyear-smith@auckland.ac.nz
International Journal of Medical Informatics
|October 2, 2007
Summary
Data recording for immunisation coverage in general practices shows significant variability. Standardizing practice management systems (PMS) and staff training is crucial for reliable data to track vaccination delivery.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Informatics
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- Accurate recording of immunisation data is essential for monitoring public health.
- Practice Management Systems (PMS) are widely used in general practices for data management.
- The reliability of PMS data for continuous immunisation delivery measurement requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of immunisation data recorded by general practices.
- To identify challenges in using practice data for continuous immunisation monitoring.
- To inform improvements for reliable immunisation data collection.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated immunisation coverage in 124 randomly selected general practices.
- Utilized custom queries for different Practice Management Systems (PMS) to extract child and immunisation data.
- Captured data for all children aged 6 weeks to 2 years, irrespective of enrollment status.
Main Results:
- Observed significant variability in PMS types, versions, and operating systems.
- Staff technical competence with PMS varied considerably.
- Inconsistent data entry, coding practices, and unreliable vaccination dates were identified.
- The proportion of enrolled children varied widely across practices.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing early age registration and enrollment is recommended.
- Clearer definitions for immunisation coverage denominators and delays are needed.
- Greater uniformity in PMS, improved staff training, and data quality checks are essential.
- Integration of PMS with immunisation schedules and electronic checks can enhance data quality.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The healthcare system is constantly changing and complex. Various services are available from different healthcare providers, but gaining access to these services has become challenging for people with limited healthcare insurance. Uninsured people present a challenge to healthcare because they frequently postpone or forego treatment.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...