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Enhancing response rates in physician surveys: the limited utility of electronic options.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the utility of offering physicians electronic options as alternatives to completing mail questionnaires.

Data source

A survey of colorectal cancer screening practices of Alabama primary care physicians, conducted May-June 2010.

Study design

In the follow-up to a mail questionnaire, physicians were offered options of completing surveys by telephone, fax, email, or online.

Data collection method

Detailed records were kept on the timing and mode of completion of surveys.

Principal findings

Eighty-eight percent of surveys were returned by mail, 10 percent were returned by fax, and only 2 percent were completed online; none were completed by telephone or email.

Conclusions

Offering fax options increases response rates, but providing other electronic options does not.

SUBMITTER: Nicholls K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3207199 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Enhancing response rates in physician surveys: the limited utility of electronic options.

Nicholls Keith K Chapman Kathryn K Shaw Thomas T Perkins Allen A Sullivan Margaret Murray MM Crutchfield Susan S Reed Eddie E

Health services research 20110414 5

<h4>Objective</h4>To evaluate the utility of offering physicians electronic options as alternatives to completing mail questionnaires.<h4>Data source</h4>A survey of colorectal cancer screening practices of Alabama primary care physicians, conducted May-June 2010.<h4>Study design</h4>In the follow-up to a mail questionnaire, physicians were offered options of completing surveys by telephone, fax, email, or online.<h4>Data collection method</h4>Detailed records were kept on the timing and mode of ...[more]

PMID: 21492157

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