A Recent Study Finds Deficiencies in Maternal Immunization Data Sets
A University of Canterbury expert in geospatial and population health has conducted research revealing deficiencies in the countrywide data that monitors rates of immunization among mothers.
Dr. Matt Hobbs
Dr. Matt Hobbs, a Health Senior Lecturer and co-director of the GeoHealth Laboratory at the University of Canterbury’s Geospatial Research Institute, collaborated with researchers from various fields to assess the accuracy of data regarding maternal immunizations for influenza and whooping cough from 2013 to 2021.
According to Dr. Hobbs, their study aligns with the Health and Disability System Review, which emphasizes the necessity of a nationwide approach to improve health outcomes for all individuals. Their research focuses on enhancing the available data and data management systems to facilitate equitable outcomes within the healthcare service.
Data Compilation and Accuracy of Maternal Immunization Records
Over the course of several years, the team compiled immunization records from pharmacies, general practices, and the Nationwide Immunization Register. While these sources observed a gradual improvement in the accuracy of data captured over time, an estimation reveals that approximately 10% of maternal immunizations were still unrecorded in 2021.
According to Dr. Hobbs, the ongoing shift from older systems, such as the segmented district health boards, to nationwide health systems like Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, can be attributed to this issue.
Lingering Infrastructure and Data Collection Systems Impacting Maternal Immunization Data Completeness
Despite the district health boards no longer operating independently, certain infrastructure and data collection systems from the previous framework are still in place, leading to delays in obtaining the complete dataset. Consequently, the current understanding of maternal immunization coverage in specific areas is inaccurate.
In conclusion, to address this concern, Te Whatu Ora is currently developing a national system known as the Aotearoa Immunization Register (AIR), intended to replace the aging National Immunization Register. However the implementation of this new system will provide a comprehensive overview of population immunization coverage and support the formulation of more targeted health policies. Dr. Hobbs views this development as a crucial step forward.
Read the original article on: Medical Xpress
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