Research ArticleMethodology

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

Philip J. Kroth, Laurie McPherson, Robert Leverence, Wilson Pace, Elvan Daniels, Robert L. Rhyne, Robert L. Williams and ; For The Prime Net Consortium
The Annals of Family Medicine May 2009, 7 (3) 245-248; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.944

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Tables

  • Table 1.

    Network Solicitation and Response Rates

    CharacteristicRIOS Net No. (%)SERCN No. (%)CaReNet No. (%)Unknown Networka No.PRIME Netb No. (%)
    CaReNet = Colorado Research Network; non-PCP = non–primary care physician; PRIME Net = Primary Care Multi-Ethnic Research Network; RIOS Net = Research Involving the Outpatient Setting Network; SERCN = South Eastern Regional Clinicians Network.
    a Paper or fax responses received without legible identification numbers.
    b Totals from the 3-member practice-based research networks.
    Clinicians on original solicitation list245178382–805
    Removed e-mail bounces and non-PCPs32 (13.1)81 (45.5)39 (10.2)–152 (18.9)
    Total valid solicitations21397343–653
    Valid Web respondents112 (74.7)19 (61.3)170 (78.3)–301 (75.1)
    Valid paper respondents37 (24.7)12 (38.7)46 (21.2)297 (24.2)
    Valid fax respondents1 (0.7)0 (0.0)1 (0.5)13 (0.7)
    Total all respondents150312173401
    Total response rate %70.432.063.3–61.4

Additional Files

  • 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.
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