Day-of-the-week effect on doctors' response to a postal questionnaire.
OBJECTIVE
To test a possible day-of-the-week effect on doctors' response rate to a postal questionnaire.


METHODS
Dispatch of postal questionnaire randomized to Thursday or Saturday.


METHODS
A nationwide survey on doctors' attitudes.


METHODS
200 general practitioners and 260 practising specialists/consultants.


METHODS
Response rate and Kaplan-Meier survival curve for no-response.


RESULTS
The probability of response was not influenced by receiving the questionnaire just before or just after a week-end.


CONCLUSIONS
Response rates in postal surveys sent to doctors cannot be improved by their receiving the questionnaire just before a week-end.
Olivarius
N de F
Nde F
Central Research Unit of General Practice, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Andreasen
A H
AH
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors