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Surveys in clinical research: methodological aspects and practical guidance
Larissa Bianchini1,2,3, Aline Braz Pereira4, Bruno Martins Tomazini2,5
1Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Internal Medicine Department, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
Critical Care Science
|May 28, 2026
Summary
This review guides researchers on using surveys effectively in clinical research. It emphasizes methodological rigor and strategies to overcome challenges like low response rates for better data quality.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Research Methodology
- Survey Design and Implementation
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Surveys are vital tools in clinical research for exploring stakeholder perspectives and measuring intervention implementation.
- Effective survey use requires methodological rigor, from objective definition to data collection and analysis.
- Challenges such as low response rates and engagement variability necessitate strategic planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a practical overview for researchers on designing and conducting robust survey studies in clinical research.
- To highlight key decisions influencing data quality and interpretability in survey development.
- To address practical challenges and offer strategies for enhancing survey participation.
Main Methods:
- Review of best practices in survey development for clinical research.
- Discussion of questionnaire design principles, including clarity, precision, and construct relevance.
- Exploration of online survey platforms for broader dissemination and improved data collection.
Main Results:
- Surveys require careful planning regarding objectives, sampling, questionnaire design, and administration methods.
- Frameworks like Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaires can structure data collection.
- Online platforms enhance reach and data management but require strategies to mitigate participation challenges.
Conclusions:
- Methodological rigor is essential for generating adequate and interpretable results from clinical research surveys.
- Strategic planning and engagement tactics are crucial for addressing practical challenges like low response rates.
- This review serves as a guide for researchers to optimize survey studies in clinical settings.
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