title: Testing Skype as an interview method in epidemiologic research: response and feasibility.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite its popularity, Skype has not been tested as a tool for epidemiologic research. We examined its feasibility in Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  A population-based sample of young adults was randomly invited to a Skype (n = 150) or a phone interview (n = 150). Response and duration of interviews were analysed to evaluate the feasibility of Skype interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response was low and, with 10 % (95 % CI 5-15 %), even worse among Skype candidates, compared to 22 % (15-28 %) in the phone group. A third of the Skype group asked for being interviewed by phone. Median duration was 34.0 minutes for Skype interviews and 37.0 minutes for phone interviews.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Skype is not yet a feasible tool for data collection in Germany.
authors.affiliation: Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology and NetTeaching Unit, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany. tobias.weinmann@med.lmu.de
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Weinmann
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brilmayer
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heinrich
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Radon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012042:Registries; D049269:Videoconferencing; D055815:Young Adult