Public health audit of vaccine cold chain management in general practice and community pharmacy in Western Australia

Objective

To support immunisation providers through a cold chain management audit.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Implications for Public Health

Electronic solutions can support public health units to engage with providers to ensure vaccines remain effective and wastage is limited.