Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance and Improvement (QAI) team focuses on Compliance Adherence, including vaccine storage, ordering, temperature excursions, data logger requirements and the Provider Education Assessment and Reporting (PEAR). The federal Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) program promotes and supports the implementation of provider strategies designed to help increase on-time vaccination of children and adolescents.
Compliance Adherence
The purpose of the Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) program's compliance visit is to assess, support, and educate staff on TVFC policies. The assessment is based on the TVFC program manual. If concerns are found, then the provider's regional Responsible Entity (RE) will assist with education and corrective actions to facilitate improvement and compliance.
Compliance ensures providers within the TVFC program adhere to policies and procedures. All providers must undergo an annual compliance visit after enrollment to ensure adherence to quality and standards.
Vaccine storage and handling issues that are identified must be taken care of immediately during site visits.
After the site visit is finished, the reviewer will talk with the vaccine coordinator to share the outcomes of the visit. These follow-up activities aim to ensure that the site's staff understands the areas for improvement highlighted by the RE or the DSHS contractor and that corrective actions have been identified and implemented.
The discussion will include:
- A review of the findings from the site visit.
- A formal follow-up plan with a timeline to address non-compliance issues or areas with potential for improvement.
- The signing clinician, primary vaccine coordinator, or backup vaccine coordinator are required to attend the site visit.
At the end of the site visit, the staff present must sign their names, as listed in the PEAR System, on an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AR) form. This form confirms the completion of the visit and receipt of visit results and ensures that the reviewer and vaccine coordinator are aware of all non-compliance issues and the required actions to address them.
Follow-up activities can include but are not limited to the following:
- Visiting the clinic to observe corrective actions
- Calling the vaccine coordinator at the clinic
- Sending a letter to address the deficient items identified during the site visit
- Determining the staff’s compliance with the corrective action plans, if applicable
If a site consistently fails to comply and does not follow corrective actions after receiving education, vaccine ordering privileges may be suspended. Continued non-compliance could result in termination from the TVFC program.
Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers
The Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) program promotes and supports the implementation of provider-level quality improvement strategies. IQIP strategies are designed to support healthcare providers in identifying opportunities to increase vaccine uptake in adherence with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine immunization schedule and improve immunization service delivery.
The core quality improvement strategies of the IQIP program support Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) providers. They are centered around improving immunization scheduling practices, leveraging the reporting functionality of the statewide immunization registry, ImmTrac2, and giving a strong vaccine recommendation (emphasizing HPV).
For more information about IQIP or additional technical assistance, please refer to the tiles below or contact your RE.
IQIP Overview
What is IQIP?
- IQIP is a collaborative approach to improving your clinic’s immunization program. The purpose of IQIP is to promote and support increased vaccine uptake through provider-level quality improvement strategies.
IQIP Process
- The IQIP cycle takes place over 12 months to implement identified improvements to your clinic's vaccination processes. The cycle is conducted in four parts: the site visit where provider workflow is assessed and a Strategy Improvement Plan (SIP) is developed, and three subsequent check-ins where additional technical assistance is provided.
The Four Strategies
As part of the IQIP process, the SIP focuses on four strategies designed to increase vaccine uptake in your facility. Each strategy includes provider-consultant-designed action items, technical assistance, and resources to achieve a successful IQIP cycle.
- Facilitate Return for Vaccination.
- Leverage immunization information system (IIS) functionality to improve immunization practice.
- Give a strong vaccine recommendation (include HPV vaccine if the provider has adolescent patients).
- Strengthen vaccination communications.