Combining Web-Based and Mail Surveys Improves Response Rates: A PBRN Study From PRIME Net
Ann Fam Med Kroth et al.
7: 245
The Article in Brief
Combining Web-Based and Mail Surveys Improves Response Rates: A PBRN Study From PRIME Net
Philip J. Kroth
, and colleagues
Background Electronic communications offer new methods of conducting survey research. This study looks at whether individuals who do not respond to an electronic survey form will respond when offered the opportunity to complete the paper version of the survey instrument.
What This Study Found Paper is still an important element of survey research in practice-based research networks (PBRNs). In this survey of primary care physicians in PBRNs, 24% of responses were received on paper despite multiple requests to complete the Web-based version of the survey.
Implications
- Including options for responding on paper as well as via the Web may improve response rates in survey research among primary care PBRN physicians.
- Although Web-based surveys offer potential cost savings compared with paper, the differences may not be as significant as expected when Internet technology costs are taken into account.
