PAiRS Demo

To demo, go to: http://pairs.nchica.org:8080

Provider Access to Immunization Registry Securely (PAiRS) is a collaborative project of the North Carolina Healthcare Information and Communications Alliance (NCHICA). Various NCHICA members have contributed expertise and resources towards this effort.

PAiRS is a secure Internet-based system that offers look-up capability to a database of public and private immunization records. PAiRS includes some of the key features of an immunization registry, although it is not a fully functional registry system. Since PAiRS is an Internet-based application, the system includes multiple ways to do the same thing, which makes the application fairly self-explanatory and should minimize training needs.

To access PAiRS, you will need a user ID and password. PAiRS uses Secure Socket Layer to encrypt information exchange between the client and the server. The highest encryption level, 128 bit, is used. This type of security is the same as what is used by many on-line banking services, however most banks only use 40 bit encryption.

Main Page

SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
The PAiRS system’s functions are listed on the main page. We have incorporated these functions in the right hand corner of every subsequent page, so the user doesn’t have to go back to the main page to access these options.

LINKS
Currently, there are links established to the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule, Policy Guidelines, Tutorial and the Help Desk. In the future, we plan to add links to other relevant immunization sites.

Searching for Records

First name, last name and date of birth, at a minimum, are required in order to perform a search. This requirement is part of our policy guidelines. It reduces the ability to browse the system. In addition, the more information included in a search, the more likely you will be able to locate the record(s) you are looking for. There are other criteria such as Social Security Number that can be incorporated in a search.

One of the enhanced capabilities of this system is the patient record disambiguation. The system has the ability to differentiate between like records and identify multiple records for the same person without the luxury of a universal unique identifier. The system indexes "like" names and nicknames together. There are statistical scores given to the records found based on what information was entered for the search. Only records receiving a score above a certain threshold will be returned. This capability allows some flexibility – you don’t have to know the exact spelling of the person’s name, as it is stored in the database.

To view an example of how this works:

Search for (1) Catherine Bailey, Date of Birth: 09/10/90

Also try searching for her with her first name spelled (2) Kathryn and (3) Kate.

Viewing Records

CONSOLIDATING RECORDS
When a search returns multiple records for the same person, PAiRS offers the flexibility to view them as one consolidated record while maintaining the integrity of the individual records.

To view an example of how this works:

Search for: Michael Jordan, Date of Birth 03/10/98

• To view a consolidated record of two or more of the results returned, click the box next to each record and then click on the "View Consolidated Record" button.
• You’ll notice that for every display of a consolidated record, there is the following disclaimer – "NOTE: This consolidated immunization record is made up of multiple records determined to be for the same child by the provider." The PAiRS system doesn’t combine records automatically. You must make the determination that two or more of the results returned are in fact for the same person.

DIFFERENT DISPLAYS

Quick Reference Immunization Record
When you select a patient to view the associated immunization record, the system automatically displays the Quick Reference Record.

Key Features

• Grid display – for quick assessment of immunization status
• The child’s age as of current date
• The 5 vaccines required by law are organized by vaccine group

Complete History
This display includes the name of the provider of each of the vaccines administered. There are three ways to access this view from the Quick Reference Record – click on the name, click on "View Complete History" or click on one of the dose dates in the record itself.

Printable Record
Displays the record in a black and white format suitable for printing. This view is useful for producing copies for parents.

Combination Vaccines and New Vaccines

It is fairly trivial to add new vaccines and new vaccine types to a computerized record; however, it is not so trivial to add new vaccines to a paper-based record system. Immunization schedules are becoming increasingly more complex, making it difficult for practices to maintain the immunization records kept in their patient’s chart. The introduction of combination vaccines has also presented some challenges for the paper-based record. Most paper records include these vaccines under only one of the vaccine groups. This combination vaccine situation makes it difficult for clinicians to quickly assess the immunization status of a patient.

To view an example demonstrating the advantage of a computerized record:

Search for: Nicholas Strickland, Date of Birth 07/20/96