The effects of variations in mode of delivery and monetary incentive on physicians' responses to a mailed survey assessing STD practice patterns.
High response rates from physicians are key to obtaining valid and generalizable data regarding their sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis, treatment, and control practices. A factorial (3 x 2) study was designed using varying cash incentives ($0, $15, $25) and delivery modes (Federal Express, U.S. mail). Surveys, with three follow-up mailings, were sent to a national probability sample of 311 physicians in OB-GYN, family practice, internal and emergency medicine, and pediatrics specialties. Overall, 156 physicians returned completed surveys (56% overall response rate). Significant effects for incentive level (F = 28.2, df = 2, p < .01) and delivery mode (F = 4.1, df = 1, p < .05) existed. Highest response was among physicians in the $25-FedEx condition (81%). High response rates from busy practicing physicians can be achieved if surveys are relevant to clinical practice, sponsored by a reputable organization (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), include a monetary incentive, and are delivered by courier.
Battelle, Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, USA.
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D
Kasprzyk
D E
DE
Montaño
J S
JS
St Lawrence
W R
WR
Phillips
D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D009042:Motivation; D010820:Physicians / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States