Getting under the hood: exploring issues that affect provider-based recall using an immunization information system.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Provider-based recall systems aim to improve immunization rates.
• Immunization Information Systems (IIS) offer tools for automated recall.
• Challenges exist in the practical implementation of these systems in pediatric settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pediatric practices' adoption of provider-based recall using an IIS.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing IIS-based recall.
• To explore alternative recall strategies.

Main Methods:

• Eleven pediatric practices received training on an IIS recall function.
• Key informant interviews were conducted with 24 providers and staff 8 months post-training.
• The study assessed recall implementation, barriers, facilitators, and alternatives.

Main Results:

• Only 4 of 11 practices implemented IIS-based recall 8 months after training.
• Barriers included lack of awareness, data distrust, and challenges with adolescent recall.
• Facilitators included dedicated staff and focusing on younger children; population-based recall was favored.

Conclusions:

• Implementing provider-based recall using IIS is challenging for pediatric practices.
• Existing barriers lead providers to support alternative recall methods.
• Further investigation into effective and feasible recall strategies is warranted.