ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Small fonts on vaccine labels make manually recording vaccine data in patient records time-consuming and challenging. Vaccine 2-dimensional (2D) barcode scanning is a promising alternative to manually recording these data. PROBLEM: While vaccine 2D barcode scanning assists in data entry, adoption of scanning technology is still low. APPROACH: Pilot sites (n = 27) within a health system scanned 2D barcodes to record vaccine data for 6 months. The time to record through scanning and nonscanning methods was measured for 13 vaccinators at 9 sites. A survey was administered to participants across all sites about their experience. OUTCOMES: On average, 22 seconds were saved per vaccine scanned versus entered manually (7 vs 29 seconds, respectively). Participants reported preference for scanning over other vaccine entry options and identified benefits of scanning. CONCLUSION: Expanded use of 2D barcode scanning can meaningfully improve clinical practices by improving efficiency and staff satisfaction during vaccine data entry.
Subject(s)
Vaccines , Electronic Data Processing , Humans , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recording vaccine data accurately can be problematic in medical documentation, including blank and inaccurate records. Vaccine two-dimensional (2D) barcode scanning has shown promise, yet scanner use to record vaccine data is limited. We sought to identify strategies to improve scanning rates and assess changes in accuracy. METHODS: Between January and June 2017, 27 pilot sites within a large health system were assigned to one of four groups to test strategies to maximize scanner use: training only, commitment card, scanning report, or combination. Seventy-two thousand vaccine records were assessed for completeness, accuracy, and scanning. RESULTS: Significant increases in vaccinator scanning rates found with commitment card and scanning report inclusion (alone and paired) compared with the training-only group. Record completeness and accuracy significantly improved with use of scanning. When manually entered, about 1 in 9 records had a missing or inaccurate expiration date; when scanned, this dropped to 1 in 5,000. CONCLUSIONS: Pilot findings indicate 2D scanning has the potential to eliminate most omissions and inaccuracies in vaccine records. Such data are critical during a recall or need to trace specific vaccines or patients. IMPLICATIONS: Consistent use and expanded adoption of 2D scanning can meaningfully improve the quality of vaccine records and clinical practices.
