Delivery of the research participant perception survey through the patient portal

Abstract

IntroductionThe patient portal may be an effective method for administering surveys regarding participant research experiences but has not been systematically studied.MethodsWe evaluated 4 methods of delivering a research participant perception survey: mailing, phone, email, and patient portal. Participants of research studies were identified (n=4013) and 800 were randomly selected to receive a survey, 200 for each method. Outcomes included response rate, survey completeness, and cost.ResultsAmong those aged <65 years, response rates did not differ between mail, phone, and patient portal (22%, 29%, 30%,p>0.07). Among these methods, the patient portal was the lowest-cost option. Response rates were significantly lower using email (10%,p<0.01), the lowest-cost option. In contrast, among those aged 65+ years, mail was superior to the electronic methods (p<0.02).ConclusionsThe patient portal was among the most effective ways to reach research participants, and was less expensive than surveys administered by mail or telephone.