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Binners, fillers and filers - a qualitative study of GPs who don't return postal questionnaires

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dc.contributor.authorStocks, N.
dc.contributor.authorBraunack-Mayer, A.
dc.contributor.authorSomerset, M.
dc.contributor.authorGunnell, D.
dc.date.issued2004
dc.descriptionCopyright © 2004 Taylor & Francis
dc.description.abstractBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postal questionnaires are a frequently used method of obtaining information from general practitioners. However, getting GPs to return questionnaires or participate in research can be challenging. We wanted to ascertain reasons why GPs identified as 'routine non-responders' to postal questionnaires, do not participate in this type of research. METHODS: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of 14 GPs who had returned only one or none of five questionnaires sent to them during a five-year period between 1994-1999. RESULTS: Participants were classified into one of three groups--binners, filers and fillers--according to their behavior when faced with a questionnaire. Each group had slightly different attitudes toward research in general practice. Although standard strategies such as incentives and good design could influence the decision to complete a questionnaire, poor research experiences or a poor relationship between the participant and researchers were also very important. CONCLUSION: The decision not to return a postal questionnaire is multifactorial and reflects personal and professional attitudes, experiences and organisation of individual GPs as well as time pressure and interest. The development of a positive relationship with a researcher or academic department may be influential in encouraging the return of postal questionnaires and when trying to enhance response rates amongst 'routine non-responders' researchers should take into account the broader values ans practices GPs bring to their work.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityN. Stocks, A. Braunack-Mayer, M. Somerset M and D. Gunell
dc.description.urihttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15724124&dopt=Abstract
dc.identifier.citationEuropean Journal of General Practice, 2004; 10(4):146-151
dc.identifier.doi10.3109/13814780409044302
dc.identifier.issn1381-4788
dc.identifier.issn1751-1402
dc.identifier.orcidStocks, N. [0000-0002-9018-0361]
dc.identifier.orcidBraunack-Mayer, A. [0000-0003-4427-0224]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/4130
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMediselect BV
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.3109/13814780409044302
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectAttitude of Health Personnel
dc.subjectResearch
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectAged
dc.subjectMiddle Aged
dc.subjectPhysicians, Family
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectMale
dc.subjectInterviews as Topic
dc.subjectSurveys and Questionnaires
dc.subjectUnited Kingdom
dc.titleBinners, fillers and filers - a qualitative study of GPs who don't return postal questionnaires
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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