The Effects of Variations in Mode of Delivery and Monetary Incentive on Physicians’ Responses to a Mailed Survey Assessing STD Practice Patterns

High response rates from physicians are key to obtaining valid and generalizable data regarding their sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis, treatment, and control practices. A factorial (3 × 2) study was designed using varying cash incentives ($0, $15, $25) and delivery modes (Federal Expres...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evaluation & the health professions 2001-03, Vol.24 (1), p.3-17
Main Authors: Kasprzyk, Danuta, Montaño, Daniel E., St. Lawrence, Janet S., Phillips, William R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude surveys
Health Care Surveys - economics
Health Care Surveys - methods
Health technology assessment
Humans
Incentives
Mail Surveys
Medicine
Motivation
Physicians
Physicians - economics
Physicians - psychology
Practice Patterns, Physicians
Response rates
Response Rates (Questionnaires)
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - diagnosis
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - prevention & control
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - therapy
Specialization
STD
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States
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Summary:High response rates from physicians are key to obtaining valid and generalizable data regarding their sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis, treatment, and control practices. A factorial (3 × 2) study was designed using varying cash incentives ($0, $15, $25) and delivery modes (Federal Express, U.S. mail). Surveys, with three follow-up mailings, were sent to a national probability sample of 311 physicians in OB-GYN, family practice, internal and emergency medicine, and pediatrics specialties. Overall, 156 physicians returned completed surveys (56% overall response rate). Significant effects for incentive level (F = 28.2, df =2, p < .01) and delivery mode (F = 4.1, df =1, p < .05) existed. Highest response was among physicians in the $25-FedEx condition (81%). High response rates from busy practicing physicians can be achieved if surveys are relevant to clinical practice, sponsored by a reputable organization (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), include a monetary incentive, and are delivered by courier.
ISSN:0163-2787
1552-3918
DOI:10.1177/01632780122034740