Effect on survey response rate of hand written versus printed signature on a covering letter: randomised controlled trial [ISRCTN67566265]

Abstract

Background: It is important that response rates to postal surveys are as high as possible to ensure that the results are representative and to maximise statistical power. Previous research has suggested that any personalisation of approach helps to improve the response rate. This experiment tested whether personalising questionnaires by hand signing the covering letter improved the response rate compared with a non-personalised group where the investigator's signature on the covering letter was scanned into the document and printed.

Response rates for mailout survey‐driven studies in patients with head and neck cancer

“…22 There is conflicting data on the use of handwritten versus printed signatures on cover letters for mailout surveys. 7,23 Personalized cover letters and handwritten signatures were used in our study.…”

Personally addressed hand-signed letters increase questionnaire response: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…The question of whether different methods of personalisation (such as hand-written signatures or including a participant's name on the cover letter) produce different effects on response was not examined. Recently, a randomised controlled trial and meta-analysis of previous trials found no advantage in hand-signed letters compared to those with photocopied or scanned signatures [ 3 ]. The study did not investigate the effect of using the participant's name, or using a hand-written signature and the participant's name together.…”

The quality of smear taking training for hospital medical trainees

“…3 The overall response rate was similar to that of other questionnaire surveys. 12 Although there was variation in response to individual questions, the response rate to the questions on confidence and training was consistently high.…”

“…We therefore set out to assess hospital traineesÕ perceptions of their skills and knowledge and of the amount of training they had received with regard to parameters set out in the ÔResource PackÕ. 12 Although there was variation in response to individual questions, the response rate to the questions on confidence and training was consistently high. 3 The overall response rate was similar to that of other questionnaire surveys.…”