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01-12-2014

Differences in response rates between mail, e-mail, and telephone follow-up in hand surgery research

Published in: HAND | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Background

There is a need to determine the difference in response to mail, e-mail, and phone in clinical research surveys.

Methods

We enrolled 150 new and follow-up patients presenting to our hand and upper extremity department. Patients were assigned to complete a survey by mail, e-mail, or phone 3 months after enrollment, altering the follow-up method every 5 patients, until we had 3 groups of 50 patients. At initial enrollment and at 3 month follow-up (range 2–5 months), patients completed the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), the short version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), and rated their pain intensity.

Results

The percent of patients that completed the survey was 34 % for mail, 24 % for e-mail, and 80 % for phone. Factors associated with responding to the survey were older age, nonsmoking, and lower pain intensity. Working full-time was associated with not responding.

Conclusions

The response rate to survey by phone is significantly higher than by mail or e-mail. Younger age, smoking, higher pain intensity, and working full-time are associated with not responding.

Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic I

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Title: Differences in response rates between mail, e-mail, and telephone follow-up in hand surgery research
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Published in: HAND / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 1558-9447
Electronic ISSN: 1558-9455
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-014-9618-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Differences in response rates between mail, e-mail, and telephone follow-up in hand surgery research

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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