OBJECTIVES: To test methods to optimize mail survey response and authorization rates (i.e., allowing one's survey to be linked to medical records) when the survey is sensitive and the targeted population has a mental disorder. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trial of 1,099 veterans treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a Midwestern Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Subjects were randomized to one of three groups: (1) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization form embedded in the survey (checking "yes" for consent); (2) HIPAA form requiring signature for consent sent after the survey; or (3) HIPAA form requiring a signature and social security number (SSN) for consent sent after the survey. RESULTS: The "embedded" strategy yielded the lowest survey response rate (67.5%) but highest authorization rate (59.1%). Requiring respondents' signatures and SSNs after the survey was returned generated the highest survey response rate (74.2%) but lowest authorization rate (48.7%). However, the response rate difference was not statistically significant. Reported emotional upset was low (1.5%) and primarily directed to the survey, not the HIPAA form. Older age and greater trustfulness were associated with higher authorization rates. CONCLUSION: Even with our most optimized strategy, authorization rates were disappointingly low.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: To test methods to optimize mail survey response and authorization rates (i.e., allowing one's survey to be linked to medical records) when the survey is sensitive and the targeted population has a mental disorder. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trial of 1,099 veterans treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a Midwestern Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Subjects were randomized to one of three groups: (1) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization form embedded in the survey (checking "yes" for consent); (2) HIPAA form requiring signature for consent sent after the survey; or (3) HIPAA form requiring a signature and social security number (SSN) for consent sent after the survey. RESULTS: The "embedded" strategy yielded the lowest survey response rate (67.5%) but highest authorization rate (59.1%). Requiring respondents' signatures and SSNs after the survey was returned generated the highest survey response rate (74.2%) but lowest authorization rate (48.7%). However, the response rate difference was not statistically significant. Reported emotional upset was low (1.5%) and primarily directed to the survey, not the HIPAA form. Older age and greater trustfulness were associated with higher authorization rates. CONCLUSION: Even with our most optimized strategy, authorization rates were disappointingly low.
Authors: Jack V Tu; Donald J Willison; Frank L Silver; Jiming Fang; Janice A Richards; Andreas Laupacis; Moira K Kapral Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2004-04-01 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: Timothy J Beebe; Jeanette Y Ziegenfuss; Sarah M Jenkins; Lindsey R Haas; Michael E Davern Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 2011-04-16 Impact factor: 3.797
Authors: Timothy J Beebe; Jeanette Y Ziegenfuss; Jennifer L St Sauver; Sarah M Jenkins; Lindsey Haas; Michael E Davern; Nicholas J Talley Journal: Med Care Date: 2011-04 Impact factor: 2.983