Mixed-mode versus paper surveys for patient-reported outcomes after critical illness: A randomised controlled trial. Issue 3 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wong, Hao Z.; Brusseleers, Maarten; Hall, Kelly A.; Maiden, Matthew J.; Chapple, Lee-anne S.; Chapman, Marianne J.; Hodgson, Carol L.; Gluck, Samuel
• Is Part Of: Australian critical care. Volume 35:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Critical care -- Electronic mail -- Mental disorders -- Patient-reported outcome measures -- Quality of life -- Surveys and questionnaires; Intensive care nursing -- Periodicals; Intensive care nursing -- Australia -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2021.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1036-7314

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the response rate to a mixed-mode survey using email compared with that to a paper survey in survivors of critical illness. Design: This is a prospective randomised controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted at a single-centre quaternary intensive care unit (ICU) in Adelaide, Australia. Participants: Study participants were patients admitted to the ICU for ≥48 h and discharged from the hospital. Interventions: The participants were randomised to receive a survey by paper (via mail) or via online (via email, or if a non-email user, via a letter with a website address). Patients who did not respond to the initial survey received a reminder paper survey after 14 days. The survey included quality of life (EuroQol-5D-5L), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and post-traumatic symptom (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) assessment. Main outcome measures: Survey response rate, extent of survey completion, clinical outcomes at different time points after discharge, and survey cost analysis were the main outcome measures. Outcomes were stratified based on follow-up time after ICU discharge (3, 6, and 12 months). Results: A total of 239 patients were randomised. The response rate was similar between the groups (mixed-mode: 78% [92/118 patients] vs. paper: 80% [97/121 patients], p = 0.751) and did not differ between time points of follow-up. Incomplete surveys were more prevalent in the paper group (10% vs 18%). The median EuroQol-5D-5L index value was 0.83 [0.71–0.92]. Depressive symptoms were reported by 25% of patients (46/187), anxiety symptoms were reported by 27% (50/187), and probable post-traumatic stress disorder was reported by 14% (25/184). Patient outcomes did not differ between the groups or time points of follow-up. The cost per reply was AU$ 16.60 (mixed-mode) vs AU$ 19.78 (paper). Conclusion: The response rate of a mixed-mode survey is similar to that of a paper survey and may provide modest cost savings.