Simulation Study On Integrated Vaccine System (IVS) At Outpatient Clinic: Pilot Project In Malaysia

Abstract

An Integrated Vaccine System (IVS) has been developed to address the weaknesses in the conventional paper-based method available at outpatient clinics providing childhood vaccination in Malaysia. IVS incorporates the Hospital/Healthcare Information System (HIS) and Telemedicine aspirations. This computer-based patient recording systems and data storage are reasonably comprehensive sources objectively to facilitate health providers in managing parents and installation of a smartphone application to prevent ‘delay’ in vaccination appointments. We include Malaysian parents reside in Kuantan district of Pahang, aged 18 years and above, who have a baby on day-30 of life or below. Parents with medical backgrounds and without smartphones were excluded. This pilot project was conducted prior to observational study of IVS at outpatient clinic. At the baby's two-month appointment, we collect data which includes i) socio-demographic characteristics; ii) vaccination status; iii) Participant's Satisfaction Scale; and iv) participant's perspective on IVS. This pilot project recruited 12 participants, mostly aged more than 30 years and the majority were Malays ethnic. Out of 12 participants, 10 of them were on time (83%), and 2 participants had a delay (17%) in their vaccination at a one-month appointment. However, 59% were very satisfied and 41% were somewhat satisfied with the use of IVS. The top three perspectives that arose from the participants were that IVS makes it easy to recall the appointment date for vaccination, it is cost and time-saving, and can be use it everywhere. Our conclusion, the majority of participants were on time for their child’s vaccination in the first month. Besides, almost all participants were satisfied with the IVS and participants showed positive perspectives on IVS. Therefore, we believe IVS could be a potential health intervention to ensure the high quality of healthcare and sustainability of the childhood vaccination information system.