Shots by STFM: value of immunization software to family medicine residency directors: a CERA study

The Group on Immunization Education (GIE) of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) has developed Shots by STFM immunization software, which is available free of charge for a variety of platforms. It is routinely updated with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) most recent immunization schedules. Successful development and marketing of teaching resources requires periodic evaluation of their use and value to their target audience. This study was undertaken to evaluate the 2011 version of Shots by STFM. Family medicine residency directors were surveyed about their use of Shots by STFM for teaching residents and their ratings of its features. The response rate for the survey was 38% (172/452). While awareness of Shots by STFM among responding residency directors was low (57%), ratings by those using the resource were excellent. Thirty percent of respondents recommend or require their residents to use Shots by STFM. Better marketing of Shots by STFM to family medicine residency directors seems to be indicated.