Personality characteristics of health care satisfaction survey non-respondents

Patient satisfaction surveys are increasingly used to assess the quality of health care delivery. Unfortunately, survey non-response may compromise generalizability (and inferential value). Although prior studies demonstrate an association between patient socio-demographic variables and response rate, relatively little information is available linking personality factors to non-response. This paper's purpose is to define outpatient satisfaction survey non-responder personality characteristics.

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles of patients who completed an outpatient satisfaction survey were compared with non-responder profiles. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for demographic and personality covariates. The study sample included 1,862 medical outpatients who were sent a satisfaction survey and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory results on record at this institution. Of these, 1,255 were survey responders and 607 were non-responders.

Scores on three Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory scales were significantly correlated with non-response: higher scores on scales 4--Psychopathic deviate (Pd) and 8--Schizophrenia (Sc) predicted an increased likelihood of non-response (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; p < or = 0.05 for both), and higher scores on 7--sychasthenia (Pt) were associated with a decreased likelihood of non-response (OR, 0.98; p < or = 0.01).

Prior investigations demonstrate an association between patient socio-demographic factors and survey non-response. This paper uniquely highlights patient personality characteristics' contribution to non-response. This information is an important consideration for patient satisfaction survey design, administration and interpretation.