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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Surveys
In addition to trials, we also have over 20 years’ experience in collecting, interpreting and applying survey and service performance data to inform NHS and local government policy decisions. We have carried out public health and health services research studies for national government, the European Union and the World Health Organisation. We have built up a reputation for conducting large health and lifestyle surveys (sample sizes up to 50,000) and give advice on the design and all other aspects of carrying out large postal surveys.
We also conduct face-to-face interviews and focus groups, and carry out observational studies. We have in-house capacity for all types of survey using manual and automatic data entry as appropriate. For work requiring a large field-force, such as surveys requiring hundreds of face-to-face or telephone interviews, we use specialist field-workers.
We have recently specialised in specific settings where there are health and social inequalities, with recent work related to community groups, New Deal, Sure Start, neighbourhood renewal areas and deprivation in coastal towns
We provide a cost-effective solution for managers, professionals and researchers in health and social care. The unit provides support for all stages of constructing surveys including:
- Advising on research questions and selecting designs
- Obtaining sampling frames
- Costing surveys
- Questionnaire design
- Undertaking surveys, including organizing interviewers and mail based campaigns
- Cleaning and inputting data
- Analysing data with SPSS, SAS and other packages
- Interpreting the findings in written and illustrated reports
Methods: As part of an academic department, the survey unit brings sound research methods and rigour to the collection and analysis of survey data. We can draw on existing or validated questions from other surveys. We work hard to achieve good response rates and are developing new ways to address the fall in response rates that has occurred in recent years. Personal data are handled confidentially and all data are cleaned before analysis.
Results: We can prepare reports with a policy or health focus, and make research findings more widely known through publications and presentations.
Style of working: The unit’s response to research commissions is rapid but flexible. Appropriately skilled staff are available, such as fully trained and experienced data entry staff, and work is carried out “in-house”.
Recent Projects
- Medway Dental Health Survey (2009)
- Health Counts - A Survey of People in East Sussex (2011)
- Comparison of Health and Health Behaviour across Northern France and South East England (Interreg 3A funded)
- A Survey of Teenagers' Views of Sex and Relationships Education and Sexual Health Services
- Caring in Kent: Patterns and Profiles, Evidence from the Kent Health and Lifestyle Survey, 2005
- Results of the 2006/2007 Hospice Patient Survey. General Report
- Variations in mortality - comparison of Northern France and South East England