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Combining Web-Based and Mail Surveys Improves Response Rates: A PBRN Study From PRIME Net

¹ The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, for RIOS Net
² The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, for CaReNet
³ The Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, for SERCN

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Philip J. Kroth, MD, MS, Health Sciences Informatics, Program Development, Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, MSC09 5100, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, pkroth{at}salud.unm.edu

PURPOSE The advent of Web-based survey tools has provided the investigator with an alternative to paper-based survey methods that in many instances may be less expensive to implement than traditional paper-based surveys. Newer technology, however, does not diminish the importance of obtaining an adequate response rate.

METHODS We analyzed response rate data obtained from a survey implemented across 3 practice-based research networks (PBRNs) in which the survey was first implemented electronically with 5 rounds of electronic solicitation for an Internet-based questionnaire and then by 2 rounds of a paper-based version mailed only to nonresponders.

RESULTS Overall, 24% of the total survey responses received were in the paper mode despite intense promotion of the survey in the electronic phase.

CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest there is still an important role for the use of paper-based methods in PBRN survey research. Both hard copy and electronic survey collection methods may be required to enhance clinician response rates in PBRNs.

Key Words: Data collection • paper • questionnaires • attitude of health personnel • attitude to computers • electronic mail • time factors • user-computer interface • computer communication networks • health surveys • postal service • health care surveys/methods

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