Invited commentary: Evaluating epidemiologic research methods--the importance of response rate calculation

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Research Methods

Background:

• Epidemiologic research increasingly relies on administrative data due to privacy concerns restricting traditional methods.
• A novel approach for participant contact using administrative data has been introduced, showing promise for population-based studies.

Discussion:

• Current methods for calculating response rates in studies using administrative data require critical evaluation.
• The classification of untraceable cases as ineligible impacts response rate calculations and potential bias assessment.

Key Insights:

• Standardizing the calculation and reporting of response rates is crucial for unbiased epidemiologic research.
• Different response rate calculations may be appropriate depending on whether bias or contact method acceptability is being evaluated.

Outlook:

• Further research and consensus are needed to establish uniform standards for reporting response rates in administrative data-based studies.
• Developing standardized methodologies will enhance the reliability and comparability of future epidemiologic research.