After doing an
assessment, there is a great deal of valuable
information to be shared with practitioners
and their staff.
It is important to realize that assessments
alone are not sufficient to improve immunization
coverage levels.
How we communicate the results of
an assessment is just as important as how
the data are measured.
Assessment data coupled with feedback
creates the awareness necessary for behavior
change.
Provider
feedback is the presentation and discussion
of assessment findings to providers and their
staff about their service delivery practices.
Feedback of information can give the
provider insights on recordkeeping practices,
patient drop-out rates, missed opportunities,
and inappropriate use of contraindications.
The data should be presented with
feeling and precision, without judgment,
and as a challenge.
The feedback given should enable providers
to identify problems, devise solutions, and
set attainable goals.
Feedback should include all those who can
make a change, not only policymakers but
also front line staff, providers, nurses,
the clerical staff and office manager.
Findings should be shared with providers
in a constructive, timely and confidential
manner, preferably as soon after the visit
as possible.
The data should not be sent to providers
without explanation or analysis. Remembering the ultimate goal of the AFIX
process is to improve and sustain immunization
coverage levels, the feedback protocol should:
