Designing, Conducting, and Reporting Survey Studies: A Primer for Researchers.

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Nursing education

Background:

• Survey studies are vital for evidence generation in fast-evolving medical fields.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of surveys to gather health specialist, patient, and public perceptions.
• Surveys can enhance research in under-resourced countries facing scientific barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of survey design, execution, and reporting.
• To offer practical recommendations for creating effective and reliable questionnaires.
• To discuss the utilization of online platforms for broader survey reach and participation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing survey recommendations and reporting standards.
• Analysis of best practices in questionnaire design and validation.
• Exploration of online survey tools and dissemination strategies.

Main Results:

• Effective survey planning involves reviewing literature and expert input for questionnaire development.
• Online platforms (e.g., Google Forms, SurveyMonkey) facilitate large-scale data collection and international participation.
• Adherence to reporting standards is recommended for survey transparency and reproducibility.

Conclusions:

• Surveys are indispensable tools for advancing medical education, public health, and nursing research globally.
• Careful design, validation, and reporting enhance the quality and impact of survey research.
• Leveraging online technologies can significantly expand the reach and efficiency of survey studies.