A small unconditional non-financial incentive suggests an increase in survey response rates amongst older general practitioners (GPs): a randomised controlled trial study

作者：Pit Sabrina Winona^*; Hansen Vibeke; Ewald Dan

来源：BMC Family Practice, 2013, 14(1): 108.

DOI：10.1186/1471-2296-14-108

• Surveys
• Randomized controlled trial
• Response rate
• Family physician
• Questionnaire
• Incentives
• Employment
• Online

Background: Few studies have investigated the effect of small unconditional non-monetary incentives on survey response rates amongst GPs or medical practitioners. This study assessed the effectiveness of offering a small unconditional non-financial incentive to increase survey response rates amongst general practitioners within a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Methods: An RCT was conducted within a general practice survey that investigated how to prolong working lives amongst ageing GPs in Australia. GPs (n = 125) were randomised to receive an attractive pen or no pen during their first invitation for participation in a survey. GPs could elect to complete the survey online or via mail. Two follow up reminders were sent without a pen to both groups. The main outcome measure was response rates.
Results: The response rate for GPs who received a pen was higher in the intervention group (61.9%) compared to the control group (46.8%). This study did not find a statistically significant effect of a small unconditional non-financial incentive (in the form of a pen) on survey response rates amongst GPs (Odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.85 (0.91 to 3.77). No GPs completed the online version.
Conclusion: A small unconditional non-financial incentives, in the form of a pen, may improve response rates for GPs.

• 出版日期2013-7-30