Table 1 Childhood immunisation best practices identified from high performing general practices in New Zealand [adapted from 11]

Engagement with parents

Connection and communication with parents/caregivers

• Contact families during the antenatal period or early post-natal period (either directly or indirectly through antenatal providers)

• Use creative ways to build and maintain rapport with families (e.g. friendly welcome letters, health promotion days, etc.)

• Improve access to the general practice for immunisation visits (e.g. extended evening hours, weekend hours, etc.)

Practice-based processes

Practice internal systems and processes

• Develop a systematic approach for scheduling immunisation visits (e.g. pre-booking, reminders, recalls)

• Use electronic practice management system to facilitate opportunistic vaccinations

Practice-based processes and partnership development with local service providers

Connection with difficult to find children

• Reduce missed opportunities (e.g. identify children overdue for immunisations, check family contact information, etc.)

• Offer ‘in-kind’ support to encourage attendance (e.g. transportation and supermarket vouchers)

• Contact other local organisations and providers to locate families

• Referral to outreach immunisation services

Practice-based processes

Use of electronic tools

• Effective use and knowledge of electronic practice management system and interface with the National Immunisation Register (NIR)

• Cautious use of ‘decliner’ or ‘non-responder’ immunisation codes

• Use additional electronic support tools (e.g. DrINFO audit tool, Patient Dashboard, etc.)

Practice-based processes

Practice immunisation targets and performance monitoring

• Monitor practice immunisation coverage rates against internal and national targets

Practice-based processes

Staff training and continuing education

• Commitment to attending staff education and training opportunities