Appendix F:  Survey Methodology of Pediatric Residency Directors

 A survey of 195 pediatric residency directors in the United States and Puerto Rico was conducted in the spring of 2004 to assess the status of pediatric rheumatology training in general pediatric residency programs.  Specific objectives were:

1. To characterize the availability of pediatric rheumatology training in general pediatrics residency,
2. To explore the relationship between the characteristics of pediatric rheumatology training in general pediatrics residency and the presence of pediatric rheumatologists at the training institution, and
3. To describe pediatric residency directors’ assessment of the adequacy of pediatric rheumatology supply locally and statewide.

A new survey instrument was developed to reach these objectives.  One pediatric rheumatologist and one pediatric residency director pilot tested the survey; the survey was then revised based upon their comments.  An 11-item survey resulted that included questions about 1) program size and characteristics, 2) pediatric rheumatology staffing, 3) resident exposure to clinical pediatric rheumatology, 4) perception of the adequacy of the pediatric rheumatology supply locally and statewide, and 5) recent attempts made by affiliated hospitals and/or academic medical centers to hire a pediatric rheumatologist.  The Institutional Review Board at the UNC School of Public Health approved the survey. 

Respondents were initially contacted by an e-mail message that explained the study and provided a URL link to the Web-based version of the survey.  In addition to the initial e-mail, 3 follow-up messages were sent every 7 to 10 days to non-responders; a paper version of the survey was sent to all non-responders approximately one month after the initial e-mail message.  The initial screen of the Web-based survey described the study in detail and asked respondents to formally consent to the study.  The mail-based survey included a cover letter, consent letter, and stamped, addressed return envelope; a returned mail survey served as consent.  After completing the survey by email, each respondent was sent an electronic gift code worth $10 to use at Barnes & Noble’s Internet store.

Responding programs were tracked using the Web site to allow reminder e-mail messages to be generated; the mail survey was sent to non-responders only.  This tracking system allowed the use of incentives to responding directors.  In the data cleaning and analysis stage all program director and residency program identifiers were removed; consequently, programs remained anonymous in the analysis phase.