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Use of a coded postcard to maintain anonymity in a highly sensitive mail survey: cost, response rates, and bias

D A Asch1

  • 1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
|September 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

This study compared survey methods for critical care nurses. Coded postcards slightly reduced response rates but significantly cut costs for anonymous mail surveys.

Area of Science:

  • Nursing Research
  • Survey Methodology
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Euthanasia is a sensitive topic requiring robust data collection.
  • Anonymous mail surveys are common but can be costly and inefficient.
  • Optimizing response rates and cost-effectiveness in nursing surveys is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of two anonymous mail survey strategies for collecting data from critical care nurses.
  • To evaluate the impact of using coded postcards on response rates and costs.
  • To determine if postcard use introduces bias in survey results.

Main Methods:

  • 1,600 critical care nurses were randomly assigned to two groups.
  • Group 1 received three mailings of an anonymous questionnaire.
  • Group 2 received mailings with a coded postcard to reduce follow-ups.

Main Results:

  • Response rates were 76.5% for the standard mailing and 69% for the postcard group.
  • The postcard strategy resulted in significantly lower costs.
  • No significant additional bias was introduced by the postcard method.

Conclusions:

  • Coded postcards can reduce costs in anonymous mail surveys.
  • While response rates may slightly decrease, the cost savings are substantial.
  • This method offers a viable, cost-effective alternative for surveying healthcare professionals.

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