Canadian Health Measures Survey: clinic operations and logistics

The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) is conducted in two parts: a household interview and a visit to a mobile clinic. At 15 sites across Canada, the CHMS uses two trailers to collect physical measures on a sample of about 5,000 Canadians. The trailers contain clinic rooms outfitted with physical measures testing equipment; an administration area; and a fully functioning laboratory. The field team consists of 11 household interviewers and 20 clinic staff. At each site, about 350 respondents visit the clinic over a five- to six-week period. At the clinic, respondents participate in all tests for which they are eligible, including blood pressure, anthropometry, spirometry, a blood draw, a urine sample, tests of physical fitness, and an oral health examination. Respondents who are unable to visit the clinic may perform some of the tests in their home.