OBJECTIVES: We report on a pilot project that used a telephone-based interactive voice response system accessed by cellular phones at diverse sites, to interview homeless persons on their need for alcohol and other drug treatment. METHODS: Using this technique we surveyed 207 homeless adults at eight shelters in Cleveland, Ohio. RESULTS: The cellular approach was comparable to human-administered interviews in reliability and validity and yielded higher self-reported levels of drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Cellular telephones and interactive voice response interviewing systems can be useful tools in assessing for the health-service needs of difficult-to-reach populations.
OBJECTIVES: We report on a pilot project that used a telephone-based interactive voice response system accessed by cellular phones at diverse sites, to interview homeless persons on their need for alcohol and other drug treatment. METHODS: Using this technique we surveyed 207 homeless adults at eight shelters in Cleveland, Ohio. RESULTS: The cellular approach was comparable to human-administered interviews in reliability and validity and yielded higher self-reported levels of drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Cellular telephones and interactive voice response interviewing systems can be useful tools in assessing for the health-service needs of difficult-to-reach populations.
Authors: Karin M Eyrich-Garg; John S Cacciola; Deni Carise; Kevin G Lynch; A Thomas McLellan Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2008-05-26 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Gail L Rose; Joan M Skelly; Gary J Badger; Charles D Maclean; Megan P Malgeri; John E Helzer Journal: J Stud Alcohol Drugs Date: 2010-09 Impact factor: 2.582