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

Abstract

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 ..