Effect of type of survey administrator on Consumer Assessment of Care

This study evaluated the possible effects of peer, unit staff, and quality management staff survey administrators on item means of the inpatient version of the Consumer Assessment of Care, a 14-item mental health service satisfaction survey developed by the New York State Office of Mental Health and administered at South Beach Psychiatric Center. Of 511 inpatients who completed the survey, 215 were administered by unit staff, 156 by consumers, and 140 by quality management staff. Each subgroup used a mixed-mode administration method for consecutive 6-mo. periods. Reliability and factor analysis indicated the survey was psychometrically robust. Item means for the types of administrator were significantly different. Tukey HSD multiple-comparisons indicated that item means were significantly higher for unit staff administrators than peer and quality management staff administrators, which did not differ from each other. Response set, acquiescence, or socially desirable responding may elicit higher item means for unit staff administrators.