Comparison of Office-Based Versus Outsourced Immunization Recall Services

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Primary care practices often struggle with effective patient recall systems, impacting preventative care.
• Patient recall is crucial for ensuring timely immunizations in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of outsourced versus office-based recall systems.
• To evaluate recall activity and patient contact methods in pediatric primary care.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 87 Arkansas providers from 2011-2013.
• Practices were assigned to usual care, office-based recall, or outsourced recall groups.
• Patient recall activity and costs were tracked for children under 24 months.

Main Results:

• Outsourced recall achieved 92.6% activity, significantly higher than office-based (55.0%) and usual care (19.4%).
• Mobile phones and text messages were the primary successful contact methods.
• Outsourced recall was significantly less costly per practice per week than office-based recall.

Conclusions:

• Outsourced recall systems are more sustainable and cost-effective than office-based systems in primary care.
• These systems can improve patient recall and immunization rates, especially with limited electronic health record integration.