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An informational versus monetary incentive in increasing physicians' response rates

A N Easton1, J H Price, S K Telljohann

  • 1University of Toledo, Department of Health Promotion, Ohio 43606, USA.

Psychological Reports
|December 24, 1997
PubMed

Insights

A $1.00 monetary incentive significantly increased cancer prevention survey return rates among pediatricians compared to an informational booklet. This finding aids in optimizing physician survey response strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical research methodology
  • Public health surveys

Background:

  • Physician participation is crucial for public health research.
  • Low survey response rates can bias study findings.
  • Effective recruitment strategies are needed to improve pediatrician engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of a monetary incentive versus an informational booklet on pediatrician survey return rates.
  • To identify optimal strategies for increasing physician participation in cancer prevention research.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted with three waves of mailings.
  • Pediatricians were randomly assigned to receive either an informational booklet or a $1.00 monetary incentive with their survey.
  • Survey return rates were compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

  • The group receiving the $1.00 incentive had a return rate of 79% (227/300).
  • The group receiving the informational booklet had a return rate of 64% (189/300).
  • The monetary incentive demonstrated a statistically significant increase in survey returns.

Conclusions:

  • A $1.00 monetary incentive is more effective than an informational booklet for improving cancer prevention survey return rates among pediatricians.
  • Monetary incentives represent a viable strategy to enhance physician participation in health research.
  • Future research should explore cost-effectiveness and optimal incentive levels.

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