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The Effects of Variations in Mode of Delivery and Monetary Incentive on Physicians’ Responses to a Mailed Survey Assessing STD Practice Patterns

Daniel E. Montaño

Battelle, Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle

Janet S. St. Lawrence

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta

William R. Phillips

Battelle, Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, and University of Washington, Seattle

High response rates from physicians are key to obtaining valid and generalizable data regarding their sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis, treatment, and control practices. A factorial (3 x 2) study was designed using varying cash incentives ($0, $15, $25) and delivery modes (Federal Express, U.S. mail). Surveys, with three follow-up mailings, were sent to a national probability sample of 311 physicians in OB-GYN, family practice, internal and emergency medicine, and pediatrics specialties. Overall, 156 physicians returned completed surveys (56% overall response rate). Significant effects for incentive level (F = 28.2, df =2, p < .01) and delivery mode (F = 4.1, df =1, p < .05) existed. Highest response was among physicians in the $25-FedEx condition (81%). High response rates from busy practicing physicians can be achieved if surveys are relevant to clinical practice, sponsored by a reputable organization (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), include a monetary incentive, and are delivered by courier.

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