Remind Me Again: Physician Response to Web Surveys: The Effect of Email Reminders Across 11 Opinion Survey Efforts at the American Board of Internal Medicine from 2017 to 2019

2021 ◽  
pp. 016327872110194
Author(s):  
Brendan J. Barnhart ◽  
Siddharta G. Reddy ◽  
Gerald K. Arnold

For survey researchers, physicians in the United States are a difficult-to-reach subgroup. The purpose of this study is to quantify the effect of email reminders on web-based survey response rates targeting physicians. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 11 American Board of Internal Medicine surveys from 2017 to 2019. We compute aggregate response rates for the periods between weekly email contacts across the 11 surveys, while controlling for survey time to complete, physician age, gender, region, board certification status, and initial exam performance. The overall predicted response rate after six weekly email contacts was 23.7%, 95% CI: (17.1%, 33.0%). Across the 11 surveys, we found response rate for the first period to be 8.9%, 95% CI: (6.5%, 12.2%). We observed a 50% decrease in response from the first to the second period, which had a 4.4%, 95% CI: (3.2%, 6.2%), response rate. The third and fourth response periods yielded similar response rates of 3.0%, 95% CI: (2.3%, 3.9%) and 3.3%, 95%CI: (2.4%, 4.6%), respectively. The fifth and sixth response periods yielded similar response rates of 2.2%, 95%CI: (1.5%, 3.3%) and 1.9%, 95% CI: (1.3%, 2.7%), respectively. The results were further stratified into different levels of participant survey interest, and are helpful for cost and sample size considerations when designing a physician survey.

2020 ◽  
pp. 089443932091831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Kalleitner ◽  
Monika Mühlböck ◽  
Bernhard Kittel

Traditional survey research faces declining response rates due to changing cultural habits and technological developments. Researchers have developed novel approaches to increase respondents’ likelihood of participating in web surveys. However, we lack information about whether these methods indeed increase response rates and, if so, whether they bias the resulting data. This article focuses on the use of nonmaterial incentives in the form of a video that provides the invitees with information tailored to their life situation. Analysis of our experimental data shows that instead of increasing respondents’ probability of starting the survey, the video treatments actually decrease it. We provide evidence that the lower salience of the intrinsic benefits of survey participation in the invitation email significantly contributes to this reduction. Additionally, the effect of the nonmaterial incentive differs across subgroups, affecting nonresponse biases in line with employment status, gender, and migration background. We therefore conclude that using additional information in the form of a video as a nonmaterial survey incentive is only suitable under specific conditions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117822181771639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica J Barratt ◽  
Jason A Ferris ◽  
Renee Zahnow ◽  
Joseph J Palamar ◽  
Larissa J Maier ◽  
...  

A decline in response rates in traditional household surveys, combined with increased internet coverage and decreased research budgets, has resulted in increased attractiveness of web survey research designs based on purposive and voluntary opt-in sampling strategies. In the study of hidden or stigmatised behaviours, such as cannabis use, web survey methods are increasingly common. However, opt-in web surveys are often heavily criticised due to their lack of sampling frame and unknown representativeness. In this article, we outline the current state of the debate about the relevance of pursuing representativeness, the state of probability sampling methods, and the utility of non-probability, web survey methods especially for accessing hidden or minority populations. Our article has two aims: (1) to present a comprehensive description of the methodology we use at Global Drug Survey (GDS), an annual cross-sectional web survey and (2) to compare the age and sex distributions of cannabis users who voluntarily completed (a) a household survey or (b) a large web-based purposive survey (GDS), across three countries: Australia, the United States, and Switzerland. We find that within each set of country comparisons, the demographic distributions among recent cannabis users are broadly similar, demonstrating that the age and sex distributions of those who volunteer to be surveyed are not vastly different between these non-probability and probability methods. We conclude that opt-in web surveys of hard-to-reach populations are an efficient way of gaining in-depth understanding of stigmatised behaviours and are appropriate, as long as they are not used to estimate drug use prevalence of the general population.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryuhei So ◽  
Kiyomi Shinohara ◽  
Takuya Aoki ◽  
Yasushi Tsujimoto ◽  
Aya M Suganuma ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Low participation rates are one of the most serious disadvantages of Web-based studies. It is necessary to develop effective strategies to improve participation rates to obtain sufficient data. OBJECTIVE The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of emphasizing the incentive in the subject line of the invitation email and the day of the week of sending the invitation email on the participation rate in a Web-based trial. METHODS We conducted a 2×2 factorial design randomized controlled trial. We contacted 2000 primary care physicians from members of the Japan Primary Care Association in January 2017 and randomly allocated them to 1 of 4 combinations of 2 subject lines (presence or absence of an emphasis on a lottery for an Amazon gift card worth 3000 yen or approximately US $30) and 2 delivery days (sending the invitation email on Tuesday or Friday). The primary outcome was the response rate defined as the number of participants answering the first page of the questionnaire divided by the number of invitation emails delivered. All outcomes were collected between January 17, 2017, and February 8, 2017. RESULTS We analyzed data from 1943 out of 2000 participants after excluding those whose email addresses were invalid. The overall response rate was 6.3% (123/1943). There was no significant difference in the response rates between the 2 groups regarding incentive in the subject line: the risk ratio was 1.12 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.58) and the risk difference was 0.7% (95% CI –1.5% to 2.9%). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the response rates between the 2 groups regarding sending the email on Tuesday or Friday: the risk ratio was 0.98 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.38) and the risk difference was –0.1% (95% CI –2.3% to 2.1%). CONCLUSIONS Neither emphasizing the incentive in the subject line of the invitation email nor varying the day of the week the invitation email was sent led to a meaningful increase in response rates in a Web-based trial with primary care physicians. CLINICALTRIAL University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000025317; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000029121 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation. org/6wOo1jl9t)


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen D. Holt ◽  
Rebecca S. Miller ◽  
Ingrid Philibert ◽  
Thomas J. Nasca

Abstract Background Proposed reductions in federal funding for physician education may affect the United States' ability to produce the number of physicians needed to provide care. Objective Using a survey similar to that used by the ACGME in 2011, we assessed designated institutional officials' (DIOs) perceptions of the impact of potential GME funding reductions. Method In August 2013, we sent a survey link to all DIOs of ACGME-accredited institutions (N  =  678). A 9-item survey asked how future federal funding would affect the number of residency programs in their institutions under 4 different funding scenarios: stable funding, and reductions of 10%, 33%, and 50%. We also asked about changes in the number of residency positions during the last 2 years. Results The response rate was 47.9% (325 of 678 DIOs); respondents represent 58.9% of accredited institutions with more than 1 program. Most respondents reported no change or an increase under the stable funding scenario. Under a 33% funding reduction, an estimated 17 379 (14.8% of all current) positions would be lost, and a 50% reduction would result in a loss of 33 562 positions (28.6%). Primary care specialties (eg, family medicine, internal medicine) would be most affected under the greatest funding reductions. Conclusions The findings of the 2013 survey are consistent with 2011 data, with DIOs projecting significant reductions in programs and positions under more severe budget cuts. DIO comments highlighted reduced optimism (compared to data obtained in 2011) about the effect of funding cuts and concerns about the impact of reductions on patient care and health care personnel at teaching institutions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 577-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Luise Klietz ◽  
Hans Wilhelm Kaiser ◽  
Hans-Günther Machens ◽  
Matthias Michael Aitzetmüller

Abstract Background Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ have created a worldwide audience of almost 3 billion people. Society is dramatically changing, demanding evolution of marketing strategies by plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors alike. This unknown territory provides excellent opportunities, but creates many pitfalls as well; uncertainty remains as to the most effective manner to promote one’s practice/services. Objectives The aim of this study was to design a social experiment based on Instagram to give guidance for efficient self-promotion. Methods An Instagram account called “doctor.aesthetics” was created. Content was produced, and categorized into 4 groups: Aesthetics, Private Life, Disease, and Science. No bots or other Instagram-based promotion were utilized. Every post was evaluated regarding likes, comments, clicks, new followers, impressions, and savings. Results After 5 months and 37 posts, 10,500 people followed the account. “Scientific” posts were excluded from the analysis due to a low response rate. A significantly enhanced number of likes for “Private” postings was found. Additionally, “Private” posts led to most clicks and new followers, whereas “Aesthetics” posts were saved by most people. Conclusions To benefit the most from social media advertising, it is necessary to offer insights into private life. Although “Aesthetics” and “Disease” postings showed similar response rates, “Scientific” posts failed to attract people.


Author(s):  
Nicholas Meese ◽  
Juani Swart ◽  
Richard Vidgen ◽  
Philip Powell ◽  
Chris McMahon

Web-based approaches are increasingly being used for carrying out surveys, for example in research or to obtain user feedback in product and systems development. However, the drawbacks of web surveying are often overlooked. Errors in web surveys can be related to sampling, coverage, measurement, and non-response issues. Low response rates and non-response bias are particularly important for web-based surveys. This paper reports on a web-based survey in an international engineering consultancy, aimed at eliciting feedback on the development of systems to support sustainable engineering, that produced a low response rate. To investigate the reasons for this, a follow-up survey was conducted by telephone. The majority of those questioned were unaware of the original survey. The telephone survey showed that reasons for non-completion by those who were aware may be categorized as resources issues, relevance, and fatigue. Differences between those who were aware of the original survey and those who were not are explored and a gap is found between action and intention, i.e. good intentions to complete a survey are very unlikely to translate into action and completed surveys. The paper concludes with practical guidance for administering web-based surveys and observations on the merits of telephone surveys.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 2538-2538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Chaibi ◽  
Isabelle Gouin ◽  
Sylvie Berigaud ◽  
Virginie Siguret ◽  
Eric Pautas ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Anemia of MDS is common in elderly patients. Recombinant Erythopoietin (EPO) alfa or beta, when used alone, improves anemia in 20 to 30 % of MDS in general population. In older patients with MDS, anemia is usually treated by transfusion supportive regimens. We report the results of a prospective study we conducted on the use of Epoetin Beta in anemic elderly patients with MDS. Patients and Treatment: Inclusion criteria were patient aged 75 years and over with MDS chronic anemia requiring transfusion or Hb < 10g/dl exclusion of other causes of anemia. Patients were treated with Epoetin beta 150 IU/ kg x 3/week during at least 8 weeks. In the absence of response, Epoetin beta dose was increased to 300 IU/ kg x 3/week and a new evaluation made after 8 weeks. Response was evaluated based on IWG criteria. In patients responding to Epoetin Beta, intervals between injections were adjusted to maintain Hb levels between 11 and 13g/dl. Seventy five patients (25 men, 50 women), median age 87.7 years (75 – 103), median creatinine clearance (CrCl) 36 ml/min (15 – 86) were included. They were classified as follows, 1 RARS, 54 RCMD, 17 RAEB1, 2 RAEB2, 1 5q- syndrome. There was not statistically significant correlation between pretreatment serum epo level and CrCl. Anemia was associated with neutropenia and/or thrombopenia in 19 patients and required transfusion in 44 patients. Karyotype was not performed in most of the patients. The median interval between onset of anemia and study treatment was 9 months (range 4 – 48). None of the patients had previously received EPO alfa or beta or Darbopoetin. Results: Sixty one of the 75 patients (81 %), including the patient with 5q- syndrome, had major erythroid haematological improvement (EHI) (transfusion independence in formerly transfused patients or rise of at least 2 g/dl of haemoglobin level in formerly non transfused patients). EHI was obtained with Epoetin beta lowest dose in 50/61 patients. No effect was seen on granulocytes and platelets. No side effects were observed. The response rates were 85 %, 68.5 % for RCMD and RAEB, respectively (p=NS). Pretreatment serum epo level was lower in responding patients than in non responding patients (median level 34 and 104 UI/l respectively, p< 0.05). Response rate was lower in transfused than in non transfused patients (72 and 93 % respectively, p <0.05). Similar response rates were found in patients with CrCl> or < to 40 ml/min (88 and 78 % respectively). Median response duration was not reached with a median follow up of 13 months (4 – 36). In responding patients, median adjusted Epoetin Beta dose was 190 IU/kg /week Conclusion: In elderly patients with MDS, EPO appears to be an effective treatment to correct anemia. Our results may be superior to those obtained in general population because of lowest pretreatment serum EPO levels and more frequent low risk MDS in elderly patients. In studies evaluating the effect of EPO on the anemia of MDS patients, response rates should be analyzed according to age especially if old and very old patients are included.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1381-1381
Author(s):  
Chadi Nabhan ◽  
Michael Taylor ◽  
Jamie Hirata ◽  
Ming Lin ◽  
Benjamin Parsons ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1381 Poster Board I-403 FL is the most common indolent lymphoma in the US but its incidence in African Americans (AA) and Hispanics (H) is lower than White (W) pts limiting our understanding of its natural history in those populations. In addition, AA and H pts are underrepresented in clinical trials raising questions as to whether current treatment paradigms in FL apply to these groups. The NLCS is a prospective, longitudinal multi-center, observational study that enrolled consecutive newly diagnosed FL pts from March 2004 through March 2007 and collected data on disease characteristics, demographics, treatment patterns, and outcome. In 2007, we were the first to report the impact of race on disease characteristics and treatment selection in 2,519 FL patients (Nabhan et al, ASH 2007, Abstract #367). Herein, we report a follow-up confirming our previous observations and detailing physician-reported response rates along with early results for progression-free survival (PFS). As of 5/15/2009, 94 AA, 126 H, and 2478 W were enrolled. AA and H pts accounted for 3.4% and 4.6% of pts, respectively. To our knowledge, this represents the largest prospective cohort of AA and H pts with FL. Data collected included information on grade, stage, B symptoms, FLIPI, treatment choice, and response assessments as measured by the treating physician. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used as appropriate to assess the relationships between race, disease characteristics, and outcome. More AA (26%) and H (22%) presented at <45 years of age compared to W (9%) (p<0.0001). While there was no statistical difference among the three races in disease grade, stage, or B symptoms, 49% of AA pts had poor-risk FLIPI compared to 34% of W pts (p=0.037). This difference was mainly due to lower hemoglobin values, higher LDH, and higher stage. No statistical difference was noted in FLIPI scores between W and H pts. Similar percentage of patients were observed as an initial strategy among the 3 races (18%) while all others received some form of an intervention. The use of anthracycline-based regimens for initial treatment was more frequent in W pts compared to AA (65% vs 47%, p=0.008). The difference in anthracycline use persisted in poor-risk FLIPI pts. W pts with grade 1 or 2 FL were also more likely to receive anthracyclines than their AA counterparts (56% vs 38%, p=0.042). Too few grade 3 FL pts were available to draw meaningful conclusion for this subset. No major differences were noted between H and W pts in anthracycline use. Despite differences in treatment, pts had similar response rates across racial categories. With a median follow-up of 37 months, 61% (n=1504) W, 57% (n=54) AA, and 63% (n=79) H had a complete or partial response to whatever treatment they received. For pts who received rituximab monotherapy, 61% (n=216) of W, 58% (n=7) of AA, and 36% (n=4) of H responded. For pts who received rituximab with chemotherapy, 78% (n=998) of W, 82% (n=41) of AA, and 80% (n=63) of H responded. The response to anthracycline-based regimens was comparable across the three groups. Longer PFS was observed in H compared to W and AA [median not reached vs 57 months for W (p=0.05) and 54 months for AA (p=0.02); p-values were obatained form Cox model controlling for FLIPI, histologic grade, and extranodal sites]. Comparing PFS for W, H, and AA treated with an anthracycline were consistent with the overall PFS results. However, the PFS advantage for H pts was not evident in chemo-treated individuals not receiving an anthracycline. AA and W pts did not differ in PFS. The NLCS provides the largest prospective registry information on AA and H pts with FL. While the AA FL pts were younger and more likely to have higher risk FLIPI, they were less likely to receive anthracyclines than W pts. However, responses were similar among W, AA, and H pts regardless of treatment received. A longer PFS was observed in H pts compared to others but this was not observed in those who did not receive anthracyclines. Longer follow-up is required to determine whether differences in treatment and PFS impact overall survival. Disclosures: Nabhan: genentech: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Taylor: genentech: Employment. Hirata: genentech: Employment. Lin: genentech: Employment. Flowers: genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 513-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Daikeler ◽  
Michael Bošnjak ◽  
Katja Lozar Manfreda

Abstract Do web surveys still yield lower response rates compared with other survey modes? To answer this question, we replicated and extended a meta-analysis done in 2008 which found that, based on 45 experimental comparisons, web surveys had an 11 percentage points lower response rate compared with other survey modes. Fundamental changes in internet accessibility and use since the publication of the original meta-analysis would suggest that people’s propensity to participate in web surveys has changed considerably in the meantime. However, in our replication and extension study, which comprised 114 experimental comparisons between web and other survey modes, we found almost no change: web surveys still yielded lower response rates than other modes (a difference of 12 percentage points in response rates). Furthermore, we found that prenotifications, the sample recruitment strategy, the survey’s solicitation mode, the type of target population, the number of contact attempts, and the country in which the survey was conducted moderated the magnitude of the response rate differences. These findings have substantial implications for web survey methodology and operations.


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Saraf ◽  
Pritesh Patel ◽  
Damiano Rondelli

Multiple myeloma has an incidence rate of 102,000 and death rate of 72,000 people per year worldwide. The incidence varies by ethnicity with highest rates observed in African Americans followed by people from industrialized nations. Consistent risk factors for MM include increasing age, male gender, black race, MGUS, and family history with familial aggregates seen globally. Chromosome abnormalities commonly seen include hyperdiploidy, translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain, monosomy of chromosome 13, gains of chromosome 1q, and deletion of 17p. These chromosome abnormalities have also been observed in Asian and South American countries, although mild variability in frequencies has been seen. The International Staging System (ISS) was first validated in MM patients from North America and Europe and has shown significant correlation to survival in cohorts from South America and Asia. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and the novel agents, thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib are recent advances that have improved response rates and survival. The original studies proving efficacy were primarily performed in the United States and European countries. Although, African Americans were seen to be 23% less likely to receive chemotherapy, similar response rates and survival were seen when given equal access to care. Recent data from several countries in South America and Asia have also shown similar advances in response rates and survival to ASCT and novel agents. The parallel improvements signify that monitoring adequate and equal access to care is critically important in order to improve the long term outcome of MM globally. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i1.5837 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine. 2012; 1(1): 20-32


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