Evaluation of a computer-assisted data entry procedure (including Teleform) for large-scale mailed surveys

Computer-assisted data entry procedures for self-completion population surveys are previously unreported. We used Teleform for a questionnaire to registrants (aged 50+) with general practices in North Staffordshire, UK (n = 8995). The survey achieved a 77% response rate. 98% (n = 6647) of returned questionnaires were scannable. These questionnaires were checked (and corrected) before scanning for entries that may be inaccurately read by the software. Three per cent of 1020 scanned questionnaires checked (0.041% of all questionnaire items) had a data entry error. Systematic processes enable accurate survey data transfer to be achieved with Teleform. However, many administrative and technical issues need addressing. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.