Page 39 - WCEN Dr Rochelle Burgess evaluation report\ Baloon

Survey Response
Expected n=85
number of
We expected to receive between 80-90 responses
to the survey, however we only received 23 response
completed surveys. Of the 23 surveys, only 16 were
fully completed. Response n=23 0.27
Rate
The community groups themselves disseminated the
survey and therefore we were not able to measure
the cooperation rate. However, such data collection
would be an important aspect in the future. Completion n=16 0.7
Rate

Table 1: Survey response rate

The response rate was considerably poorer than expected. This meant that any statistical analysis
was not possible. The low response rate raises questions about the use of surveys with some
communities and if they are the best suited tool for measuring individual health outcomes. A range
of measures and alternative tools will need to be considered as a part of wider task to ensure that the
tools used align with the nature of WCEN activities. One recommendation identified from this process
will be the use of training up researchers from the community organizations. Community researchers
have two benefits, firstly they can overcome barriers such as language/translation and secondly, it is
a means of providing employment opportunities, therefore building the capacity of the communities.

Identifying suitable respondents

Data collection was not a clear-cut process as collection of personal data had not always been
systematically recorded and following up with individuals was not possible. It was then necessary to
rely on community organizations approaching individuals who had previously been involved. This was
difficult given the short time frame and was not a methodologically sound way to collect the survey
data. This highlights the need to systematically collect data for individuals involved in coproduced
outcomes. This will form another important aspect of the next phase of work - the possibility of
collecting personal and demographic data will enhance evaluation potential for individual health
outcomes.

The issues highlighted are not unique to WCEN and they are also widely written about in the
coproduction literature; evaluation to date has largely focused on process and ‘soft’ outcomes.
According to Leone et al (2012), evidence on the effects on health outcomes and patient satisfaction
remains an area that is neglected.

Having highlighted the issues that emerged from evaluating individual health outcomes, the next
section will provide a summary of the data that we were able to collect. Albeit limited, it highlights
potential areas of success and future development.

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