Real-Time Sampling Methods for Patient Surveys

• Activity Number: 29
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Sunday, July 31, 2011 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Survey Research Methods
• Author(s): Ronaldo Iachan*+ and Tonja Kyle
• Companies: ICF Macro and ICF Macro
• Keywords: Real time sampling ; patient surveys

Abstract

This article develops methods for sampling patients on a flow basis as they enter a clinical setting: facilities, hospitals or physician offices. The methods involve selecting time periods coupled with locations within the sample facilities. We develop the sampling framework for two diverse studies where patients are sampled. The first study is a survey of HIV patients in selected facilities. The second study is a survey of adolescents in one urban health center. In both cases, we develop probability sampling methods that provide maximum coverage, representative samples and high participation rates. We also discuss the practical constraints and implications of the method. The method involves sampling from a frame that arrays eligible time periods for each entry point in each facility. Sampling with probabilities proportional to size (PPS) methods is possible by compiling patient flow dat