Objectives: This paper describes our survey design method that enhances relevance to practicing physicians, and summarizes information that increases the likelihood of physician participation in a survey.
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer in the US. Survival of patients is good when it is caught early. Current guidelines recommend regular screening, but physicians screen at rates far below PHS 2000 goals. A national physician survey was planned to assess factors that affect physicians' provision of screening tests. A qualitative study was conducted to develop the survey.
Methods: Focus groups and open-ended interviews were conducted with 71 physicians to discuss attitudes, motivators, practice conditions, referral patterns, training, and practice standards regarding CRC screening. Participants were also asked how to encourage practicing physicians to participate in research. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed.
Results: Male and female physicians were from primary care specialties, urban/rural areas, all races/ethnicities, and a variety of practice settings. The analysis identified issues relevant to the provision of CRC screening services. Physicians indicated that strategies to maximize response rates should include incentives, well-designed surveys, clear instructions, provision of useful feedback to participants, and relevance to current practice. Use of courier mailings were recommended.
Conclusions: Input from clinicians before surveys are fielded allows us to capture relevant issues in clinical practice and adds to the probability that physicians see the survey as germane. Physicians told us that they like to participate in research, but need to be encouraged to do so.
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 have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: NIH grant, CDC contract, ACS contract