Secondary analysis of survey data: a research method with potential for occupational therapists.
The secondary analysis of previously collected survey data can assist occupational therapists to focus research, make policy decisions and test theory. In this paper the authors outline the process of carrying out a secondary analysis using existing survey data. Steps include selecting the research question, and then locating, appraising, acquiring and analysing the data. To illustrate this process, the authors examined the relationships between accidents and mobility impairments among older adults using data previously collected in the National Population Health Survey. Finally, some further examples of occupational therapy research carried out using secondary analysis of survey data are considered.
Finlayson
M
M
College of Allied Health, Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, USA. marciaf@hpd.nova.edu
Egan
M
M
Black
C
C
D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008875:Middle Aged; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design