%0 Journal Article
%T Public health audit of vaccine cold chain management in general practice and community pharmacy in Western Australia.
%A Hillan A
%A Pung L
%A Ridderhof S
%A Ramsay J
%A Vinogradov R
%A Westphal D
%A Foong M
%A Leeb A
%A Scalley B
%A Phillips A
%J Aust N Z J Public Health
%V 48
%N 4
%D 2024 Aug 13
%M 39003884
%F 3.755
%R 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100168
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To support immunisation providers through a cold chain management audit.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>An electronic audit survey using the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines as a gold standard was developed for general practice (GP) and community pharmacy. It included automated feedback, with individualised support from a clinical nurse specialist as required. Responses were analysed to determine the proportion of providers meeting criteria in four categories: procedures, refrigerators and equipment, temperature monitoring and emergency storage.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Of 818 providers invited, 420 GPs (89.6%) and 276 pharmacies (82%) responded. Over 70% met all procedural and emergency storage criteria. Although most providers (98.1% GPs, 97.0% pharmacies) used a data logger, the proportion measuring at 5-minute intervals, reviewing data logger printouts weekly and manually recording minimum and maximum temperatures was lower. In total, 58% of providers required follow-up by the clinical nurse specialist, most regarding the need for equipment.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>An electronic audit enabled public health to engage with a large number of immunisation providers. Most reported high compliance with the national guidelines although opportunities for education were identified and actioned.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Electronic solutions can support public health units to engage with providers to ensure vaccines remain effective and wastage is limited.