Validation of Two Methods of Data Collection of Self-Reported Medicine Use Among the Elderly

The accuracy of medicine use information was compared for a telephone interview and mail questionnaire, using an in-home medicine check as the standard of assessment The validity of medicine use information varied by data source, level of specificity of data, and respondent characteristics. The mail questionnaire was the more valid source of overall medicine use information. Implications for both service providers and researchers are provided.

Response Bias Using Two-Stage Data Collection: A study of elderly participants in a program.

Researchers examining the effects of programs, in this case a state-level pharmaceutical assistance program for the elderly, sometimes must rely on multiple methods of data collection. Two-stage data collection (e.g., a telephone interview followed by a mail questionnaire) was used to obtain a full range of information. Older age groups were found to participate less frequently in the telephone interview, while certain demographic factors characterized mail questionnaire nonparticipants, all of which supports past research. Results also show that those in the poorest health are less likely to participate in the mail survey. Combining the two methods did not result in high attrition, suggesting that innovation can be successfully employed. Knowledge of the bias associated with each method will aid in targeting special groups.

State-Level Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs for the Elderly: A national survey.

In order to put Pennsylvania's Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) Program in a national context, a nationwide mail survey and telephone follow-up to each of the 58 State Unit Directors on Aging in the United States and its territories identified 10 programs. The results reported in this article are specific to the seven state-level pharmaceutical assistance programs which were in operation during the fiscal year 1984-85. In general, the programs varied on select program characteristics and on their efforts to address major policy issues. Data from the non-program states indicated support, legislative efforts, and a high interest in fiscal concerns. The findings reflect a lack of program uniformity and have implications for program development and implementation. Suggestions on how to identify the "optimum" or best combination of program and policy options are discussed.