scholarly journals Assessing Physician Response Rate Using a Mixed-Mode Survey

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn R Ahlers-Schmidt ◽  
Amy Chesser ◽  
Traci Hart ◽  
Jordan Jones ◽  
Katherine S Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Text Messaging ◽  
Mixed Mode ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
E Mail ◽  
Physician Response

Background. It is important to minimize time and cost of physician surveys while still achieving a reasonable response rate. Mixed-mode survey administration appears to improve response rates and decrease bias. A literature review revealed physician response rates to mixed-mode surveys averaged about 68%. However, no identified studies used the combination of e-mail, fax, and telephone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physician response rates based on surveys first administered by e-mail, then fax, then telephone. Methods. Surveys initially were administered by e-mail to 149 physicians utilizing SurveyMonkey©. Two follow-up reminder e-mails were sent to non-respondents at two-week intervals. Surveys then were faxed to physicians who had not responded. A follow-up fax was sent to non-respondents one week later. Finally, phone interviews were attempted with physicians who had not responded by e-mail or fax; each physician was called at least twice. Results. Of the 149 eligible physicians, 102 completed the survey for a response rate of 68.5%. Of those who responded, 49 (48%) responded by e-mail, 25 (24.5%) by fax, and 28 (27.5%) by phone. Mode of response did not differ by gender, specialization, or years in practice. In addition, mode of response was not related to the primary study question, physician willingness to use text messaging for immunization reminders. Conclusions. This mix of survey methodologies appeared to be a feasible combination for achieving physician responses and may be more cost effective than other mixed methods.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of incentives and follow-up on increasing survey response rates and participation in field studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Smith ◽  
Maryam Witte ◽  
Sarah Rocha ◽  
Mathias Basner
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Sleep Study ◽  
Cash Incentives

Abstract Background Questionnaires are valuable data collection instruments in public health research, and can serve to pre-screen respondents for suitability in future studies. Survey non-response leads to reduced effective sample sizes and can decrease representativeness of the study population, so high response rates are needed to minimize the risk of bias. Here we present results on the success of different postal questionnaire strategies at effecting response, and the effectiveness of these strategies at recruiting participants for a field study on the effects of aircraft noise on sleep. Methods In total, we mailed 17 rounds of 240 questionnaires (total n = 4080) to randomly selected households around Atlanta International Airport. Different mailing rounds were varied in the length of the questionnaire (11, 26 or 55 questions), survey incentive (gift card or $2 cash), number of follow-up waves (0, 2 or 3), incentive for participating in a 5-night in-home sleep study ($100, $150 or $200), and address personalization. Results We received completed questionnaires from 407 respondents (response rate 11.4%). Personalizing the address, enclosing a $2 cash incentive with the initial questionnaire mailing and repeated follow-up mailings were effective at increasing response rate. Despite the increased expense of these approaches in terms of each household mailed, the higher response rates meant that they were more cost-effective overall for obtaining an equivalent number of responses. Interest in participating in the field study decreased with age, but was unaffected by the mailing strategies or cash incentives for field study participation. The likelihood that a respondent would participate in the field study was unaffected by survey incentive, survey length, number of follow-up waves, field study incentive, age or sex. Conclusions Pre-issued cash incentives and sending follow-up waves could maximize the representativeness and numbers of people from which to recruit, and may be an effective strategy for improving recruitment into field studies.

Web-Based Patient Experience Surveys to Enhance Response Rates

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (6) ◽  
pp. 516-521
Author(s):  
Jonathan Labovitz ◽  
Neil Patel ◽  
Israel Santander
Keyword(s):  
Patient Experience ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Survey Administration ◽  
E Mail

Background: Patient experience is a critical component of continuous quality improvement and value-based health-care delivery. This study aimed to identify a simple, cost-effective means of administering a validated patient experience survey in ambulatory-care settings. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to groups to complete the validated Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) clinician and group patient satisfaction survey using a Web-based platform. The response rate was assessed for in-clinic and e-mail distribution and was compared with the historical response rates. Patients were able to change groups after randomization to assess effect on response rate and potential bias. The cost of survey administration was compared. Results: Of 132 participants, 87 completed surveys (65.9%), with no significant differences among distribution methods. Twenty-three participants self-selected the in-clinic survey after being randomized to the e-mail cohort. Survey responses were statistically significantly different in only three of 34 questions. Web-based survey administration costs two to four times less than standard mail, phone, and mixed-modal survey administration. Conclusions: We recommend that ambulatory clinics use Web-based technology to administer CAHPS clinician and group surveys, using both e-mail and in-clinic distribution to enhance the response rate.

Increasing Response Rates among Coaches: The Role of Prenotification Methods

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aubrey Kent ◽  
Brian Turner
Keyword(s):  
Significant Influence ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Return Rate ◽  
Head Coaches ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Control Group ◽  
E Mail

This study determined whether, in a population of intercollegiate head coaches, prenotification had a significant influence on the return rate of mailed questionnaires. Acknowledging the growing use of e-mail and the Internet for survey distribution, the current study evaluated the effectiveness of e-mail as a prenotification technique, Response rates of Intercollegiate Head Coaches to mailed questionnaires from two separate samples were analyzed. Comparisons were made based upon the categorization of coaches into groups of prenotification by e-mail, formal letter, and a non-prenotified control group. Results indicated that prenotification of the survey recipients significantly increased response rates, with the group receiving e-mail prenotification having the highest response rate among the three groups. In addition to being cost effective for researchers, e-mail prenotification was an effective way to increase both the number and variety of contacts with survey recipients.

Response Rates for Mixed-Mode Surveys Using Mail and E-mail/Web

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick D. Converse ◽  
Edward W. Wolfe ◽  
Xiaoting Huang ◽  
Frederick L. Oswald
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Mode ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Web Survey ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Tailored Design ◽  
E Mail

This study examines response rates for mixed-mode survey implementation involving mail and e-mail/Web components. Using Dillman's Tailored Design Method, 1,500 participants were sent a survey either (a) via mail with a follow-up contact via e-mail that directed them to a Web-based questionnaire or (b) via e-mail that directed them to a Web-based questionnaire with a follow-up contact via mail. Results indicate that these mixed-mode procedures produce moderately high response rates. However, the mail survey tended to be more effective than the e-mail/Web survey, when serving either as the initial contact or as the follow-up contact. These results suggest that survey implementation involving mail followed by e-mail/Web, or even mail-only approaches, may result in larger samples than implementation involving e-mail/Web followed by mail.

scholarly journals Portuguese Primary Care physicians response rate in surveys: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Basílio ◽  
Sara Cardoso ◽  
José Mendes Nunes ◽  
Liliana Laranjo ◽  
Maria da Luz Antunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Average Response ◽  
Average Response Rate ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
E Mail

Summary Introduction: Surveys are a useful tool in primary care. However, low response rates can introduce selection bias, impairing both external and internal validity. The aim of this study was to assess the average response rate in surveys with Portuguese general practitioners (GPs). Method: We searched the Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsychInfo, SciELO, IndexRMP, RCAAP, Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Acta Médica Portuguesa and the proceedings of conferences of general practice from incepton to December 2016. We included all postal, e-mail, telephone and personal surveys to primary care physicians without language restrictions. We did not assess risk of bias of included studies, since the main outcome was survey response rate. We performed planned subgroup analyses of the use of monetary incentives, the use of non-monetary incentives, survey delivery modes and prior contact with participants. Results: A total of 1,094 papers were identified and 37 studies were included in this review. The response rate in surveys done to Portuguese GPs was 56% (95CI 47-64%). There was substantial heterogeneity among included studies (I2=99%), but subgroup analysis did not explain this heterogeneity. Conclusion: Consistent with other published studies, the average response rate in surveys done with Portuguese GPs was 56%, with substantial variation among studies. Use of monetary incentives, one of the most effective strategies to increase response rates, was not present in any of the included studies.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of SMS messaging for diarrhoea measurement: a factorial cross-over randomised controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Trevor Titus Rego ◽  
Samuel Watson ◽  
Philbert Ishengoma ◽  
Philemon Langat ◽  
Hezekiah Pireh Otieno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Financial Incentive ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Lower Response ◽  
Lower Response Rate ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Text messaging systems are used to collect data on symptom prevalence. Using a text messaging system, we evaluated the effects of question load, question frequency, and financial incentive on response rates and reported infant diarrhoea rates in an infant diarrhoea survey. Methods We performed a factorial cross-over randomised controlled trial of an SMS surveying system for infant diarrhoea surveillance with treatments: financial incentive (yes/no), question load (1-question/3-question), and questioning frequency (daily/fortnightly). Participants progressed through all treatment combinations over eight two-week rounds. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regressions to determine the impacts of the treatments on the response rates and reported diarrhoea rates. Attitudes were explored through qualitative interviews. Results For the 141 participants, the mean response rate was 47%. In terms of percentage point differences (ppd), daily questioning was associated with a lower response rate than fortnightly (-1·2[95%CI:-4·9,2·5]); high (3-question) question loads were associated with a lower response rate than low (1-question) question loads (-7·0[95%CI:-10·8,-3·1]); and financial incentivisation was associated with a higher response rate than no financial incentivisation (6·4[95%CI:2·6,10·2]). The mean two-week diarrhoea rate was 36·4%. Daily questioning was associated with a higher reported diarrhoea rate than fortnightly (29·9[95%CI:22·8,36·9]); with little evidence for impact by incentivisation or question load. Conclusions Close to half of all participants responded to the SMS survey. Daily questioning evoked a statistically higher rate of reported diarrhoea, while financial incentivisation and low (1-question) question loads evoked higher response rates than no incentive and high (3-question) question loads respectively. Trial Registration The protocol was registered on ISRCTN on the 20 th of March 2019 under number ISRCTN11410773 .

scholarly journals The effect of a web-push survey on physician survey response rates: a randomized experiment.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristine D. Delnevo ◽  
Binu Singh
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
National Sample ◽  
High Response Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Effective Delivery ◽  
The Web

Abstract Background: Achieving a high response rate for physicians has been challenging and with response rates declining in recent years, innovative methods are needed to increase rates. An emerging concept in survey methodology has been web-push survey delivery. In this delivery method, contact is made by mail to request a response by web. This study explored the feasibility of a web-push survey on a national sample of physicians. Methods: 1000 physicians across six specialties were randomly assigned to a mail only or web-push survey delivery. Each mode consisted of four contacts including an initial mailing, reminder postcard, and two additional follow-ups. Response rates were calculated using AAPOR’s response rate 3 calculation. Data collection occurred between Febuary – April 2018 and analyzed March 2019. Results: Overall reponse rates for the mail only vs. web-push survey delivery were comparable (51.2% vs. 52.8%). Higher response rates across all demographics were seen in the web-push delivery with the exception of pulmonary/critical care and physicians over the age of 65. The web-push survey yielded a greater response after the first mailing requiring fewer follow-up contacts resulting in a more cost-effective delivery. Conclusions: A web-push mail survey is effective in achieveing a comparable response rate to traditional mail only delivery for physicians. The web-push survey was more efficient in terms of cost and in receiving responses in a more timely manner. Future research should explore the efficiency of a web-push survey delivery across various health care provider populations.

scholarly journals Increasing response rates to follow-up questionnaires in health intervention research: Randomized controlled trial of a gift card prize incentive

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy J Morgan ◽  
Ronald M Rapee ◽  
Jordana K Bayer
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Gift Card

Background/aims Achieving a high response rate to follow-up questionnaires in randomized controlled trials of interventions is important for study validity. Few studies have tested the value of incentives in increasing response rates to online questionnaires in clinical trials of health interventions. This study evaluated the effect of a gift card prize-draw incentive on response rates to follow-up questionnaires within a trial of an online health intervention. Method The study was embedded in a host randomized controlled trial of an online parenting program for child anxiety. A total of 433 participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: (1) being informed that they would enter a gift card prize-draw if they completed the final study questionnaire (24-week follow-up) and (2) not informed about the prize-draw. All participants had a 1 in 20 chance of winning an AUD50 gift card after they completed the online questionnaire. Results The odds of the informed group completing the follow-up questionnaire were significantly higher than the uninformed group, (79.6% vs 68.5%, odds ratio = 1.79, 95% confidence interval = 1.15–2.79). This response rate increase of 11.1% (95% confidence interval = 2.8–19.1) occurred in both intervention and control groups in the host randomized controlled trial. The incentive was also effective in increasing questionnaire commencement (84.6% vs 75.9%, odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.84) and reducing the delay in completing the questionnaire (19.9 vs 22.6 days, hazard ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.67). Conclusion This study adds to evidence for the effectiveness of incentives to increase response rates to follow-up questionnaires in health intervention trials.

Exploring the Impact of E-mail and Postcard Prenotification on Response Rates to a Mail Survey in an Academic Setting

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-103
Author(s):  
Leslie A. McCallister ◽  
Bobette Otto
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Impact Response ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Initial Mailing ◽  
Project Costs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
E Mail ◽  
Time Faculty

What techniques effectively and consistently impact response rates to a mail survey? No clear answer to this question exists, largely because variability in response rates occurs depending on the population of interest, questionnaire type, and procedures used by researchers. This article examines the impact of e-mail and postcard prenotification on response rates to a mail survey by using a population of university full-time faculty and staff. Comparisons were made among respondents who received a postcard prenotification, those who received an e-mail prenotification, and those who received no prenotification prior to the initial mailing of a questionnaire. Data show that e-mail prenotification had the largest impact on response rate, while postcard prenotification had the least impact. In addition, the use of e-mail prenotification reduced overall project costs (both time and money). We suggest that the uses and applicability of e-mail prenotification be further explored to examine both its initial and overall impact on response rate in populations utilizing an electronic environment.

Retrospective Analysis of 1230 Patients of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Reporting to a Tertiary Care Hospital in India from 1992–2004.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5294-5294
Author(s):  
Dharma R. Choudhary ◽  
Rajat Kumar ◽  
R. Saxena ◽  
Manoranjan Mahapatra ◽  
Atul Kotwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Chronic Itp ◽  
Acute Itp

Abstract Background: There is very little published epidemiological data from developing countries regarding ITP and no large series from India. The aim of the study was to analyze the presenting features, response to different therapeutic options and suggest cost effective therapy. Method: The records of hematology department of All India Institute Of Medical Science were analyzed from January 1992 to June 2004. This is a premium tertiary care hospital in India. Diagnosis of ITP was made according to the standard criteria. Response criteria: complete response was defined as a platelet count increase to 100x109 /l or more, for at least 2 months: partial response was defined as doubling of platelet counts from initial levels and > 50x 109/l for at least 2 months; no response included none of the above. Statistical methods: Database was created in MS Access and SPSS ver 11 was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated and appropriate tests of significance like Chi Square, repeated measure linear model were carried out. Results: During the study period, 1230 patients of ITP were seen in hematology department, with a median age of 19.6 years (range 0.9–80). Females were 51.1% and males 48.9%. Median follow-up was of 9 months (range 0–178). Presenting features were: skin bleed − 91.1%; mucosal bleed − 57.5%; hematuria − 7.2%; gastrointestinal bleed − 12.5% and intracraniall bleed − 2.8%. Per-vaginal bleeding − 31.2 % of females. History of preceding viral fever was seen in 13.1% and palpable spleen in 2.5%. The mean platelet counts at presentation were 34+ 18.3x109/l. There were 595 (48.4%) patients of acute ITP and 635 (51.6%) patients of chronic ITP. Childhood ITP (age ≤ 12 yr) was seen in 46.5% and adult ITP in 53.5%. Response to therapy: Prednisolone was given to 99.6% patients with response of 57.3 %; Intravenous gamma globulin was given to 8.9% with response in 63.6%. Splenectomy was performed in 5% of acute ITP and 15.1% of chronic ITP (p = 0.00). The overall number of splenectomies was 126, with a response rate of 83.3%. Of these 126, acute ITP constituted 23.8% while chronic ITP formed 76.2% of cases. There was no statistically significant difference in response rate in these two groups (p =0.575). Danazole was given to 66 patients with response in 44%. Various other modalities of treatment were given to 24 patients (Anti D-14; Dapsone-2; Cyclosporin-2; Azathioprine-5; and Vincristine with Cyclophosphamide -1 patient), with a response in 25% of patients. The overall response rate with all treatment modalities was 68%: in childhood ITP − 65% and in adult ITP − 70.5%. Childhood ITP did not respond as expected, possibly due to referral bias of more refractory cases being referred to the center. The values of platelets showed a continuous increase during follow up and this increase was statistically significant (P=0.000 for all, Repeated measure model). Conclusion: Pattern of ITP in India is similar to that seen in other centers. In this study Prednisolone was given as first line agent to almost all patients with response in 57.3%; Splenectomy were done in 10.2% of prednisolone refractory or dependent patients with a response in 83.3%. These should form the primary modalities of therapy in developing countries. Significant numbers of patients were refractory to above-mentioned modalities and thus there is a requirement for other cost-effective therapies.

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