Comparing Internet and Telephone Outbreak Investigations
Author Information
Author(s): Tista S. Ghosh, Jennifer L. Patnaik, Nisha B. Alden, Richard L. Vogt
Primary Institution: Tri-County Health Department, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA
Hypothesis
Is the Internet a more efficient method for conducting local outbreak investigations compared to telephone surveys?
Conclusion
Internet-based outbreak investigations are quicker and can reduce the workload for local health departments while maintaining high participant satisfaction.
Supporting Evidence
- Internet-based surveys took a median of 5 minutes to complete compared to 30 minutes for telephone surveys.
- Response rates for Internet-based surveys were 60%–100%, with higher satisfaction reported by respondents.
- Most respondents (90%) found the Internet-based survey very easy to use.
Takeaway
This study shows that using the Internet to ask people about disease outbreaks is faster and easier than calling them on the phone.
Methodology
The study compared response rates and completion times between Internet-based and telephone-based surveys for 5 local outbreak investigations.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from unequal access to the Internet among different demographic groups.
Limitations
The study analyzed a small number of outbreaks and sample sizes, and participant access to the Internet may limit the applicability of Internet-based investigations.
Participant Demographics
Participants included individuals from both professional and household settings in metropolitan Denver, Colorado.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.69
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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