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

BMC Family Practice

Research Article

Dan Ewald¹  Sabrina Winona Pit²  Vibeke Hansen² 

[1] Clinical Advisor North Coast NSW Medicare Local, PO Box 957, 2478, Ballina, NSW, Australia;University Centre for Rural Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, PO Box 3074, 61 Uralba Street, 2480, Lismore, NSW, Australia;

关键词: Surveys;    Randomized controlled trial;    Response rate;    Family physician;    Questionnaire;    Incentives;    Employment;    Online;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2296-14-108

 received in 2013-03-12, accepted in 2013-07-29,  发布年份 2013

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundFew 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).MethodsAn 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionA small unconditional non-financial incentives, in the form of a pen, may improve response rates for GPs.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Pit et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2013