Differences in Response Rates between Mail, E-mail, and Telephone Follow-Up in Hand Surgery Research

Abstract

Prognostic I.

Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance consensus clinical treatment plans for juvenile dermatomyositis with skin predominant disease

“…Responses to online surveys from CARRA and PeDRA members were about 24 and 27%, respectively, which can be considered a low response rate. We found that survey responses pertaining to this topic are lower compared to earlier surveys from CARRA [13, 14, 16, 17], however, it should be noted that our present survey response rates are comparable to current reported online survey response rates [37, 38]. The surveys were sent to the full CARRA and PeDRA membership, and not a specific subset of JDM experts, but it is reasonable to postulate that clinicians with more exposure and expertise to JDM were more likely to respond to the surveys.…”

Future goals of adolescents and young adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain

“…This may have occurred because we made contact by mail instead of phone. Literature confirms that response rates by phone are higher than by mail or e-mail (Nota et al, 2014). Moreover, the adolescents had to ask for their parent's consent.…”

“…Moreover, the adolescents had to ask for their parent's consent. Both younger age and higher pain intensity seem to be associated with a lack of response (Nota et al., ).…”

A randomized trial found online questionnaires supplemented by postal reminders generated a cost-effective and generalizable sample but don’t forget the reminders

“…Nota et al reported similar response rates for electronic and paper questionnaires in a cohort of patients presenting to a hand and upper extremity department; interestingly, they found telephone contact to yield higher response rates [17]. By contrast, Palmen et al found a far greater response rate for paper questionnaires sent to a cohort of patients following surgery for hallux valgus [6].…”