When we started in the data collection business, SHG “empaneled” respondents for surveys because so few had internet access and email addresses. Currently, since most respondents have email addresses and internet access, we have built a multi-mode ‘access’ system which is better statistically, quicker, and more cost efficient to sample respondents across an entire sample frame.
Our Network goes beyond a traditional actively managed panel (nurtured community). Rather, we sample from a population of 2 million plus. We regularly update and validate our sample from standard core sources including the AMA, hospital books/directories, medical directories and verified healthcare internet sites as original sample sources. We also add, update, verify and validate information utilizing bespoke telephone recruitment. As we add and update records, we ask potential respondents if they would like to participate in surveys (opt-in). From here, we verify and validate, and require that they opt-in again (double opt-in). For those that don’t opt-in, or we cannot reach them directly, we keep their information on file and seek to add/update their information at other times. We have a stringent sampling procedure in place, linked with our panel management system, ensuring a representative demographic sample based on the universe being researched.