Using QM methodologies to improve childhood immunization rates.

The staff at the Kyle Indian Health Center in southwestern South Dakota used a quality improvement (QM) methodology to improve the process of getting preschool children immunized. The steps of this methodology included 1) finding an opportunity to improve a process, 2) organizing a team that knows the process, 3) clarifying the current knowledge of the process, and 4) making a plan. The quality improvement activities of the health center staff improved the immunization rate from 49% to 97% over a period of 18 months for children 27 months and younger.