Comparison of Office-Based Versus Outsourced Immunization Recall Services. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bondurant, Kristina L.; Wheeler, J. Gary; Bursac, Zoran; Holmes, Tereasa; Tilford, J. Mick
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 56:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 555
• Page End: 563
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: immunization rates -- vaccines -- academic detailers -- physician clinics; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922816673307
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Objective: Given poor use of recall in primary care practices, we compared outsourced versus office-based recall systems.Study Design: From 2011 to 2013, we enrolled 87 individual Arkansas providers in distinct practices treating their own patients <24 months of age which were randomized to usual care (A), office-based (B), or outsourced (C) recall groups.Results: At the end of study, recall activity was 19.4%, 55.0%, and 92.6% for Groups A, B, and C, respectively (B and C vs A: P < .001). Only 68 Group B patients were identified as needing immunizations versus 826 in Group C. The majority of successful contacts were made through mobile phone (41.3%) or text message (32.6%). The total cost per practice per week was significantly lower for Group C versus Group B ($39.50 and $53.00, respectively; P = .004).Conclusions: With limited electronic health record use, an outsourced recall system is more sustainable and less costly than an office-based system.