title: Redefining the technical and organizational competences of children vaccination clinics in order to improve performance. A practical experience at the ULSS 12 Venetian Public Health and Hygiene Service.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since Regione Veneto suspended compulsory vaccination for children in 2008, and because of an increasing disaffection of parents to the vaccine practice, the vaccination rates have been slowly but steadily decreasing. The aim of this study was to analyze internal and external factors of immunization reduction and to implement potential solutions of the problem.
  
  
  METHODS
  Servizio Igiene e SanitàPubblica of ULSS 12 Venezi-na (SISP - Hygiene and Public Health Service) analyzed and addressed both, the reasons of parents who do not vaccinate their children and the internal problems regarding vaccination clinics management, information to families, procedures and guidelines and, in general, the communication skills of the vaccination staff.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A positive trend in vaccination rates was observed, especially in Venice historical centre. Moreover the staff reported a better working atmosphere and benefit from sharing common goals and procedures, even though the workforce was reduced of about 30% in terms of equivalent unit (EU).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The continuous quality improvement method followed in this experience led to a steady increase in vaccination coverage in all territorial clinics, to a better adhesion of guidelines and standard operating procedures and to a general professional empowerment of SISP staff. The service now offered to the population is better and more efficient, since the workforce has been reduced. Future goals are to improve information about vaccinations among the population.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Capretta
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Palazzi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Burmaz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cuccarolo
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Flora
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Selle
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cocchio
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Baldo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States; D014492:United States Public Health Service