Improving the response rates in primary care research. Some methods used in a survey on stress in general practice since the new contract (1990).

This paper describes some methods used to improve the response rates in a survey on "stress in general practice since the new contract", and it discusses some of the literature on this problem. The methodology is a detailed account of steps taken to improve the presentation to the general practitioner (GP) in the letter, the forms and postal procedures that accompany the questionnaire, so as to focus the doctor's attention. The changes made in the reminder attempts are explained and the results noted. It is argued that it is important to attempt to improve rates to make the survey as meaningful as possible. These methods may be of particular use in primary care research.