Do different survey methods affect physicians' stated work preferences? Findings from a discrete choice experiment in...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Medical Economics
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Discrete Choice Experiments (DCEs) are valuable for understanding healthcare workforce preferences.
• Evaluating survey methodologies is crucial for efficient data collection in medical research.
• Physician attitudes towards primary healthcare work influence workforce distribution and healthcare access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of online versus offline survey methods for physician participation in DCEs.
• To identify key factors influencing physicians' decisions to work in primary healthcare settings in Eastern China.

Main Methods:

• A discrete choice experiment (DCE) questionnaire was administered to active physicians in Eastern China via online and offline methods.
• A mixed logit model was employed to analyze the collected data and determine the relative importance of job attributes.

Main Results:

• Online surveys offer cost savings, while offline surveys can improve response rates.
• Physician choices were predominantly influenced by compensation packages.
• Both survey methods indicated that improved salary and recognition significantly increase the likelihood of physicians choosing primary care roles.

Conclusions:

• Remuneration, work organization, and public recognition are critical factors for physician engagement in primary healthcare.
• Online DCE surveys are recommended for physicians with higher education and cognitive abilities due to efficiency gains.