Comparing Internet and Mailed Questionnaires for Surgeons
Author Information
Author(s): Pam Leece, Mohit Bhandari, Sheila Sprague, Marc F Swiontkowski, Emil H Schemitsch, Paul Tornetta III, P J Devereaux, Gordon H Guyatt
Primary Institution: McMaster University
Hypothesis
Orthopaedic surgeons who were given the opportunity to participate in an Internet-based questionnaire would respond at a higher rate than surgeons who were mailed a paper copy of the survey.
Conclusion
The Internet-based survey to surgeons resulted in a significantly lower response rate than a traditional mailed survey.
Supporting Evidence
- The Internet arm had a response rate of 45%, while the mail arm had a response rate of 58%.
- Overall, the primary response rate was 51% across both groups.
- The Internet-based survey was more costly to implement than the mail survey.
Takeaway
This study found that sending surveys by mail gets more responses from surgeons than sending them online.
Methodology
Surgeons were randomly assigned to receive either a mailed or an Internet version of a questionnaire about femoral neck fractures, with follow-up reminders sent to non-respondents.
Potential Biases
Potential non-response bias due to low response rates, especially among surgeons.
Limitations
The study did not pre-determine whether participants were regular Internet users or ask non-respondents why they did not complete the questionnaire.
Participant Demographics
Participants were members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, with a mix of ages and practice types.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Confidence Interval
4%-22%
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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