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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Marlene M. Lugg, DrPH, Panorama CIty Medical Center, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, 13652 Cantara Street, South 1 Bldg, Panorama City, CA 91306, (818) 375-3078, marlene.m.lugg@kp.org, Allan S. Lieberthal, MD, Panorama City Medical Center, Southern California Kaiser Permenente, 13652 Cantara Street, South 1 Bldg, Panorama City, CA 91402, and Constance Vadheim, PhD, UCLA Center for Vaccine Research, 1124 W Carson Street, Bldg. E-6, Torrance, CA 90502.
Research Methods and Study Design: A list was printed from KITS (the Kaiser Permanente Immunization Tracking System) of children who were not up to date as per the 13 year old recommendations with their immunizations by age 12 ½. The children was arranged in random order, and divided into three groups. The parent/guardian of children in one group was sent a reminder postcard; another group was contacted via telephone by the Immunization Coordinator or nurse, and the third group served as control (were not contacted). Statistics were gathered as to the number of times families were telephoned in order to speak to a responsible adult. Likewise, mail returned due to change of address was noted and whether a new address was available.
Principal Findings: The use of telephone and postcard recall increased the immunization rates of adolescent from 68% to 82%. There was no statistical difference in numbers of adolescents who responded to the telephone call verses the number who responded to the postcard. Postcards were therefore more cost-effective, and they did not require nurse/immunization coordinator time to telephone (often more than once) and set up appointments.
Implications for Health Policy/Health Care Delivery: A computerized immunization register by itself will not markedly raise immunization rates. However, it is a valuable tool in identifying those who have and have not complied with the recommendations, and notifying them to see their health care provider in order to update their immunizations.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Immunizations, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Southern California Kaiser Permanente
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by Kaiser Permanente of Southern California