MIROW: Modeling of Immunization Registry Operations Workgroup
The Immunization Information Systems Support Branch (IISSB) in partnership with the American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA) is working on an initiative directed at the analysis and improvement of immunization information system (IIS) operations and processes. The Modeling of Immunization Registry Operations Workgroup (MIROW) was formed to develop best practice operational guidelines for IISs. MIROW guidelines support strategic CDC/IISSB initiatives, such as IIS Data Quality Blueprint [1 page], with detailed operational recommendations. In October of 2022, MIROW has been transformed into the IIS Best Practices Community of Practice.
MIROW work provides a basis for aligning IIS practices with recommended guidelines in order to promote uniformity of IIS operations and processes, and, ultimately, consistency and comparability of public health data. The recommendations are developed at the programmatic/operational level, independent from specific implementations and technology solutions, and can support a wide variety of IIS implementation strategies across different technological platforms.
MIROW guidelines can be used to drive requirements for information technology projects and provide materials for educational and training purposes. The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) recommended to “Promote the adoption of best practices for IIS by the CDC and AIRA MIROW workgroup to adopt uniform operational guidance and quality control procedures that ensure good data quality.”
MIROW Approach
MIROW uses a collaborative approach, based on modern business analysis and facilitation techniques, to identify and analyze current IIS practices and in a focused, structured process reaches consensus on best practices. MIROW and the Best Practice Development Process offer additional information about the MIROW process to develop best practice recommendations.
Operational Best Practice Guidelines & Related Resources
The following table contains links to MIROW guides and mini-guides, which condense and present content from the guide in a pamphlet format.
| Year | Guide | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Data Quality Assurance in Immunization Information Systems | Active |
| 2019 | Business Continuity Planning for Immunization Information System Programs | Active |
| 2019 | Management of Patient Status in Immunization Information Systems | Active |
| 2017 | Consolidating Demographic Records and Vaccination Event Records | Active |
| 2016 | Decrementing Inventory via Electronic Data Exchange | Active |
| 2015 | Management of Patient Active/Inactive Status in Immunization Information Systems | Retired: In 2019, replaced by Management of Patient Status in Immunization Information Systems |
| 2015 | Micro-Guide: Lot Number Patterns by Manufacturer and Vaccine Table | Retired: In 2018, replaced by Vaccine Lot Number Patterns: Unit of Sale/Unit of Use Guidance |
| 2014 | Micro-Guide: Lot Number Validation Best Practices | Retired: In 2022, replaced by Data Quality Assurance in Immunization Information Systems |
| 2013 | Data Quality Assurance in Immunization Information Systems: Selected Aspects | Retired: In 2022, replaced by Data Quality Assurance in Immunization Information Systems |
| 2012 | Immunization Information System Inventory Management Operations | Active |
| 2011 | Immunization Information System Collaboration with Vaccines for Children Program and Grantee Immunization Programs | Active |
| 2009 | Reminder/Recall in Immunization Information Systems | Active |
| 2008 | Data Quality Assurance in IIS: Incoming Data | Retired: In 2022, replaced by Data Quality Assurance in Immunization Information Systems |
| 2006 | Vaccination Level Deduplication in Immunization Information Systems | Active |
| 2005 | Moved or Gone Elsewhere (MOGE) Status and other Patient Designations in Immunization Information Systems | Retired: In 2015, replaced by Management of Patient Active/Inactive Status in Immunization Information Systems |
| 2005 | IIS-VAERS Collaboration for Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting | Retired: This was a pilot project for MIROW. |
Resources
- Williams W, Lowery NE, Lyalin D, Lambrecht N, Riddick S, Sutliff C, Papadouka V. Development and utilization of best practice operational guidelines for immunization information systems. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2011 Sep-Oct; 17(5):449-56.
- The MIROW Evaluation Final Report [76 pages] and Evaluation Slides [25 pages] describe how MIROW best practices have been implemented across the country and the impact of three of the MIROW guides on IIS operations.
- The MIROW Common Vocabulary has been developed by consolidating the terms found in each of the MIROW guides and then applying a concise definition of each term.
- MIROW Principles and Business Rules Reports was developed to provide the ability to search for information across all MIROW guides via a consolidated report on principles and business rules.
Who to Contact?
For additional information on MIROW, contact David Lyalin at dil8@cdc.gov.