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Integrated Survey Designs: A Framework for Enhanced Analytic Capacity and Efficiency (302711)

Keywords: Integrated survey designs, nonresponse bias reduction, MEPS

The quality and content of national population-based socioeconomic and health care surveys are enhanced through integrated designs that include the conduct of linked surveys to medical providers, businesses, and facilities. Analytical capacity is dramatically enhanced through linkage to existing secondary data sources at higher levels of aggregation and via direct matches to additional health and socioeconomic measures acquired for the same sample units from other sources of survey or administrative data. These administrative databases also may serve as sampling frames to facilitate a cost-efficient sample selection. These designs improve data collection strategies to meet target response rates, achieve reductions in nonresponse bias, and enhance data quality and analytical capacity. They permit extensions in longitudinal analyses and permit methodological studies to assess the accuracy of household reported data. The design features are illustrated with examples drawn from national health-related surveys with integrated designs. They include the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Health Interview Survey (NHIS), MCBS, and the SLAITS. Design limitations also are discussed.