Small interface changes have dramatic impacts: How mandatory fields in electronic medical records increased pertussis vaccination rates in Australian obstetric patients

Abstract

Introduction Electronic health records have been widely introduced into clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether a small interface change could improve compliance with a key quality indicator, namely antenatal pertussis vaccination. Methods Audits were performed between 1-31 July 2015 and 1-31 July 2017 of all deliveries at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children to determine compliance with antenatal pertussis vaccination. The single difference between time points was changing the interface so the antenatal pertussis vaccination field became compulsory. Results 275 and 299 women delivered in the audit periods. Vaccination rates almost doubled (52.7% vs 91.4%, p<0.0001). Conclusion Small interface changes increase compliance. Interface change could be considered for key quality outcomes in patient care.