Handheld Automated Notification for Drugs and Immunizations (HANDI)

Handheld Automated Notification for Drugs and Immunizations (HANDI) is a mobile data collection application developed by Denver Public Health for mass immunization and prophylaxis events and routine clinic operations. HANDI was recognized as a Model Practice by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) in 2012.
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Download a HANDI fact sheet 

How HANDI Works

HANDI is a mobile data collection app that runs on an iOS device equipped with a barcode and magnetic stripe scanner and is supported by server and database components. During an intervention, event specific information is downloaded onto the mobile device. There are three different workflows or “stations” which may be combined or separated based on personnel and throughput for patients during the intervention process:

  • Station 1 – REGISTRATION: the healthcare worker scans each patient’s driver’s license (using magnetic stripe or 2-D barcode) and collects additional data such as phone number and health insurance information. A barcode with the patient’s unique identifier is printed and given to the patient for presentation at the next stations.
  • Station 2 – INTERVIEW/CONTRAINDICATION: the patient’s barcode sticker is scanned, and the patient is asked customizable health questions specific to the intervention.
  • Station 3 – DOCUMENTATION: the patient’s barcode sticker is scanned, and intervention specific data (e.g., manufacturer, lot number) are recorded, the dosage and site are determined if applicable, and the vaccine or drug is given. A card with vaccine or drug information is provided to the patient.

After the station-specific workflow is completed, data are saved on the device and transferred to the application server either real-time or when a connection is established. The server aggregates the data from each station using the unique id, and the complete patient record is securely transferred to designated databases or registries (e.g., state immunization registry).

How Does HANDI Improve Public Health?

HANDI provides a mobile data collection tool that accommodates different intervention delivery workflows and operates in a variety of network environments. By rapidly collecting standardized electronic patient data and minimizing manual data entry, data accuracy and availability are significantly improved. HANDI collected data can be securely transferred using HL7 standards to data repositories such as immunization registries thereby providing near real-time intervention coverage monitoring and progress.

How HANDI is Funded

The HANDI project has been supported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention preparedness funding and as part of a U.S. Federal Drug Administration Mini-Sentinel pilot project grant. Denver Public Health continues to expand and enhance HANDI’s functionality and invites other organizations to explore using HANDI for their data collection needs.