FIT FOR PURPOSE IN ACTION: DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION OF THE NATIONAL INTERNET FLU SURVEY

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Survey Methodology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Survey quality and usefulness are defined by specific analytic needs, requiring careful consideration of design trade-offs.
• Practical constraints like budget and timelines necessitate a structured approach to survey design.
• The concept of 'fit for purpose' (FfP) offers a framework for evaluating these trade-offs and ensuring data quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the application of a fit for purpose (FfP) framework in designing and evaluating a national survey.
• To assess the quality of the National Internet Flu Survey (NIFS) in meeting its objectives.
• To compare the FfP characteristics of the NIFS with other national health surveys.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of an FfP framework tailored for survey design and quality assessment.
• Application of the FfP framework to the National Internet Flu Survey (NIFS), an annual internet-based survey on influenza.
• Comparative analysis of FfP characteristics between the NIFS and the National Flu Survey, National Health Interview Survey, and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Main Results:

• The FfP framework provided a structured approach for critical design decisions in the NIFS.
• The NIFS demonstrated strengths in meeting its objectives, with specific areas identified for further evaluation.
• Comparative analysis revealed distinct FfP characteristics across different national surveys, highlighting unique strengths and limitations.

Conclusions:

• The fit for purpose (FfP) framework is crucial for designing effective surveys and defining data quality.
• Implementing an FfP framework aids in evaluating survey performance against intended objectives.
• FfP metrics can clearly communicate the intended use and limitations of survey data to users.