Improving the quality of surveys of physicians and medical groups: a research agenda

Eval Health Prof. 2012 Dec;35(4):477-506. doi: 10.1177/0163278712458283. Epub 2012 Sep 3.

Abstract

Because health care providers have a central role in implementing guidelines, health care reform, and new standards of care and technologies, surveying them about their practices and perspectives is vital for health services and policy research. In November 2010, the National Cancer Institute convened a workshop to review and discuss current methodologies in designing and fielding large-scale surveys of physicians and medical groups. This report summarizes key issues and future directions for four topic areas addressed in the workshop: sample frames for surveying physicians and medical groups; points of contact and response modes; response incentives; and questionnaire design and burden. Recommendations were made for improving sample frame databases, optimizing mixed-mode surveys, and studying use of incentives with gatekeepers and in medical group settings. There is particular need for empirical assessment of factors that motivate or impede participation of physicians, other types of clinicians, and medical groups in survey research.

MeSH terms

  • Consensus Development Conferences as Topic
  • Group Practice*
  • Health Care Surveys / instrumentation
  • Health Care Surveys / standards*
  • Humans
  • Physicians, Primary Care*
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Research Design
  • United States