Timeliness of data entry in Wisconsin Immunization Registry by Wisconsin pharmacies

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the association of various immunization- and pharmacy-related factors with the timeliness of pharmacy data entry in a state immunization information system. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted. Setting and participantsData for 2,040,248 immunizations administered by pharmacies in Wisconsin during 2012-2017 were collected from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Variables, including the submission method, immunization administration year, vaccine type, and recipient age, were analyzed through multivariate logistic regression to determine if they had a relationship with data entry timeliness. Pharmacists were surveyed on immunization data entry practices to corroborate analysis findings. Outcome measuresTimeliness of immunization data entry in WIR was measured as a binary variable: 7 days or fewer or more than 7 days after immunization. ResultsInfluenza immunizations were statistically significantly less likely to be timely compared with noninfluenza immunizations (odds ratio [OR] 0.719 [95% CI 0.712–0.726]; P < 0.0001). Immunizations administered to individuals aged more than 18 years were less timely compared with immunizations administered to individuals aged 6-18 years. The magnitude showed a slight difference in timeliness but without statistical significance (0.989 [95% CI 0.972–1.006]; P > 0.05). For submission method, flat-file submission was less likely to be timely compared with manual entry (0.48 [95% CI 0.475–0.486]; P < 0.0001). Health Level-7 submission, involving the electronic exchange of information with electronic health systems, was much more likely to be timely compared with manual entry (1.989 [95% CI 1.972–2.007]; P < 0.0001). With each successive year, from 2012 to 2017, immunizations were entered in a less timely manner (0.981 [95% CI 0.979–0.983]; P < 0.0001). ConclusionsTimeliness of pharmacy data entry in WIR was associated with entry method, vaccine type, and immunization administration year. We hope to identify ways to help pharmacies improve immunization data entry in WIR and facilitate the communication of immunization information among providers.