BACKGROUND: In the surgical literature, mailout survey studies are becoming more prevalent. The objective of this article is to summarize response rates in patients waiting for thyroid surgery and to document the methodology of mailout survey questionnaires. METHODS: The results reported here are from a study assessing clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with high levels of anxiety while patients are waiting for thyroid surgery. The surveys used in this study include a sociodemographic patient opinion questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R). A modified Dillman tailored design approach was used. Assessment of nonresponders was performed. RESULTS: The methods used yielded a response rate of 54% with this patient population. Some differences were noted among responders and nonresponders. CONCLUSION: This response rate is comparable to but in the lower spectrum of that stated in the oncology literature likely owing to the increase in the length of the survey, number of sensitive questions, limitations in the number of mailouts, and limited familiarity with the surgeon requesting participation in research.
BACKGROUND: In the surgical literature, mailout survey studies are becoming more prevalent. The objective of this article is to summarize response rates in patients waiting for thyroid surgery and to document the methodology of mailout survey questionnaires. METHODS: The results reported here are from a study assessing clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with high levels of anxiety while patients are waiting for thyroid surgery. The surveys used in this study include a sociodemographic patient opinion questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R). A modified Dillman tailored design approach was used. Assessment of nonresponders was performed. RESULTS: The methods used yielded a response rate of 54% with this patient population. Some differences were noted among responders and nonresponders. CONCLUSION: This response rate is comparable to but in the lower spectrum of that stated in the oncology literature likely owing to the increase in the length of the survey, number of sensitive questions, limitations in the number of mailouts, and limited familiarity with the surgeon requesting participation in research.