A Case of Response Rate Success Available to Purchase

Postal questionnaires are increasingly being used to gather health and research information. Various techniques have been shown to increase the response rate. This study used several of these techniques and also benefited from close working with general practitioners and their practices. Cross‐checking address and age against practice records reduced the number of wasted invitations to participants. The GP signature on the letter personally inviting patients to participate contributed to a response rate of 83%. Researchers carrying out postal questionnaire studies will benefit from engaging with primary care.