• Billie Bonevski, Parker Magin, Graeme Horton, Mark Foster, and Afaf Girgis.
• Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncology, Cancer Council NSW, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. billie.bonevski@newcastle.edu.au
• Aust Fam Physician. 2011 Jun 1; 40 (6): 427-30.

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the efficacy of two strategies for improving general practitioner response to a survey. A secondary aim was to assess GPs' self reported preferred mode of survey administration.MethodsThis study aimed to examine the efficacy of two strategies for improving general practitioner response to a survey. A secondary aim was to assess GPs' self reported preferred mode of survey administration.ResultsOf the 1666 GPs sampled, 52 were ineligible and 500 completed the survey. The response rates obtained in the trial of standard research group letterhead invitations alone (25.8%) versus division of general practice cover letter (32.5%) were not statistically significantly different; nor were the response rates obtained in the trial of a telephone reminder call. When asked about preferred mode of survey administration, 81.1% of respondents nominated mailed survey.DiscussionThe study failed to identify strategies to improve GP participation in the survey. This survey found no basis for supporting electronic GPs surveys.

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