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Response rates in GP surveys - trialling two recruitment strategies
Billie Bonevski1, Parker Magin, Graeme Horton
1Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology, Cancer Council NSW, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. billie.bonevski@newcastle.edu.au
Background:
This study aimed to examine the efficacy of two strategies for improving general practitioner response to a survey. A secondary aim was to assess GPs' self reported preferred mode of survey administration.
Methods:
This study aimed to examine the efficacy of two strategies for improving general practitioner response to a survey. A secondary aim was to assess GPs' self reported preferred mode of survey administration.
Results:
Of the 1666 GPs sampled, 52 were ineligible and 500 completed the survey. The response rates obtained in the trial of standard research group letterhead invitations alone (25.8%) versus division of general practice cover letter (32.5%) were not statistically significantly different; nor were the response rates obtained in the trial of a telephone reminder call. When asked about preferred mode of survey administration, 81.1% of respondents nominated mailed survey.
Discussion:
The study failed to identify strategies to improve GP participation in the survey. This survey found no basis for supporting electronic GPs surveys.
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