GP survey response rate: a miscellany of influencing factors

Background. GP response to surveys is acknowledged to vary widely. The mini mization of non-response bias and the generalizability of findings are fund amental research issues. Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that had influ enced GPs' decisions to complete a questionnaire. Methods. A short questionnaire eliciting GPs' views on minor ailment consul tations was sent to 759 GPs from eight English health authorities. The resp onse rate was 54.5%. Factors perceived by respondents to have influenced th eir decision to complete this questionnaire were also assessed. Subsequentl y, a feedback summary, together with a short evaluation form, was sent to t hose GPs requesting it. Results. The response from GPs located in the London area was significantly lower than that from those elsewhere. Respondents identified questionnaire length and the originating institution as the two major factors influencin g their decision to return the survey. A single mailing of the evaluation f orm yielded a response rate of > 60% predominantly positive comments. Conclusion. Many factors influence a GPs decision to complete a survey. The effect Of location has,to, date, largely been ignored. Furthermore, this s tudy suggested feedback to bean important issue. Within health services res earch, all possible factors need to be considered to maximize response, red uce non-response bias and ultimately facilitate the dissemination of findin gs.