An Analysis of Response Rate and Economic Costs Between Mail and Web-Based Surveys Among Practicing Dentists: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

This study explored the economic costs and response rate of mail and web-based surveys with practicing dentists. A random sample of 6,000 practicing dentists was randomly assigned into three groups of 2,000: choice (mail or web-based), postal mail, or web-based. The Florida Tobacco Control Survey 2009, which is composed of 28 questions (including subject demographic questions), served as the survey instrument. A total of 1,232 surveys were returned by the three different groups (21% overall response rate). Response rates were best for the mail (26%) with the worst response rate coming from the Web group (11%). However, a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that web surveys were 2.68 times more cost effective.

Unconditional and conditional incentives differentially improved general practitioners' participation in an online survey: randomized controlled trial

“…There are several possible reasons for the low response rate overall, including perceived lack of relevance of the survey, the length of the questionnaire, and practical difficulties in accessing the materials online [5,17,18]. Previous research has demonstrated significantly lower levels of participation among health practitioners randomly allocated to online administration of a questionnaire compared with those who were given a pen and paper option [3,19].…”

Response rate, response time, and economic costs of survey research: A randomized trial of practicing pharmacists

“…23 However, gender differences in response rates were not significant when practicing dentists were surveyed. 17 Researchers attempting to increase survey participation by practicing pharmacists and reduce response time and related costs can benefit from examining methodological practices that have been effective in related endeavors. Despite technological developments, achieving high response rates in pharmacist workforce survey research remains a challenge.…”

Direct access: how is it working?

“…[12][13][14][15][16] It is possible that monetary incentives and/or telephone follow-up may have increased the response rate further, but these options were ruled out on resource grounds. 17,18 The initial August 2015 search identified almost 250 individuals working in direct access practices.…”