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Maximising responses to quality assurance surveys
David Ahearn1, Sarita Bhat, Tracey Lakinson
1Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK. davidjahearn@gmail.com
The Clinical Teacher
|November 17, 2011
Summary
Improving postgraduate trainee survey response rates is crucial for data validity. Employing evidence-based methods, including repeated contact and influential figures, boosted participation from 57% to over 80%.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Survey Methodology
Background:
- Annual online quality assurance surveys are mandatory for UK postgraduate trainees.
- Low response rates compromise the validity and utility of collected data.
- This study addresses improving survey response rates, particularly for quality assurance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance survey response rates in postgraduate medical education.
- To improve the validity and usefulness of quality assurance survey data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized evidence-based techniques from general survey literature.
- Implemented a five-stage process of repeated, incremental contact.
- Incorporated personal contact with influential figures and emphasized confidentiality and brevity.
Main Results:
- Achieved a response rate increase from 57% to over 80% within three years.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of a systematic, multi-faceted approach to survey engagement.
Conclusions:
- Role models significantly influence trainee behavior regarding quality assurance.
- Leveraging existing survey methodology literature enhances response rates and data validity.
- Improved survey response rates strengthen quality assurance's role in postgraduate medical education effectiveness.
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