HLN was engaged by a Northwestern state to review all aspects of its existing childhood immunization registry. The focus was on the suitability of the system's technical architecture, the state's readiness for continuing a web deployment it had initiated, and the needs of the health department which has just recently become responsible for the state-wide project. HLN conducted several on-site fact-finding visits and completed a detailed needs assessment, a strategic options matrix, and a detailed review of four leading off-the-shelf registry products. HLN also made recommendations on changes in policy and marketing tactics that would be required for a successful continuation of the registry rollout. HLN collaborated with the state's marketing consultants, conducted focus groups, and performed a "mini" survey of providers that helped inform their marketing plan. Ultimately, this state acquired the study's top-rated off-the-shelf product.
HLN developed a strategic plan for a childhood immunization registry for a Southern state that never had one before. Through intensive engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders (state officials, professional societies, providers, health plans, schools, insurance companies, hospitals), HLN developed a needs assessment to define exactly what registry features were required. HLN then proceeded to evaluate alternatives to best meet those needs and make recommendations to the State. Stakeholders were engaged through focus groups, individual and small-group interviews, a survey (web-based and paper-based), and presentations at various meetings and functions. Based on the recommendations, HLN developed an implementation plan and provided an interactive cost model for the registry. This state is now moving ahead with its registry deployment.