Immunization Entry at the Point of Service Improves Quality, Saves Time, and Is Well-Accepted

Abstract

Objective.: Computer-based immunization tracking is a routine part of many pediatric practices; however, data quality is inconsistent and entry often relies on dedicated data entry personnel and is time-consuming, expensive, or difficult. The purpose of this study was to evaluate data quality, nursing satisfaction, and reduction in documentation burden after the introduction of a point-of-service immunization entry system in an inner-city pediatric primary care center. Design.: Prospective preintervention and postintervention study. Methods.: Visit records from all pediatric nonurgent care visits for patients 101 000 dates. Conclusions.: Immunization entry by nurses at the time of immunization preparation improves the quality of tracking data, reduces misclassification of immunization needs, saves time, and can be well-accepted. It is likely that poor data quality in some tracking systems has led to falsely low immunization coverage estimates. Systems such as the one in this study can improve quality and should be integrated into routine clinical practice.