Objectives: This paper presents an overview of the response rates methods research and describes factors that affect these rates among clinicians. It presents a framework that acts as a system for planning and helps overcome barriers to response among clinicians.
Results: Published reports show preliminary notification, multiple follow-ups, incentives, use of 1st class mail, and personalized salutations have positive effects on response rates. Our review of published studies (last 5 years) conducted using mailed surveys to physicians showed incentives and reminders increase response rates. Factors such as endorsement from institutions or organizations had mixed effects. These reviews and our research experience suggest a system organized by seven "I" questions will increase the likelihood clinicians will respond to surveys. We ask: 1) Is the investigation compelling? 2) Who should be included? 3) How should the study be introduced? 4) How invasive is the study? 5) Is the instrument user-friendly. 6) What incentives should be used? 7) Institutional sponsorship and endorsement. Attention to these questions provides a system that enhances the likelihood of responses from busy practicing physicians.
Conclusions: Our strategies for study design and implementation, including: selecting physician lists, screening for eligibility, providing incentives, using multiple follow-ups and key contacts, crafting persuasive cover letters and telephone scripts, and offering feedback to physicians, all increase physicians' likelihood of participating in a research study. Perhaps most important is selecting and articulating a research question that compels clinician interest. In addition, getting clinician input at all levels of the research project is key.
Learning Objectives: To learn about methods to maximize survey response rates among clinicians
Keywords: Methodology, Providers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.