Annex H - Advance Letters and Brochure

ANNEX H

ADVANCE LETTERS TO RESPONDENTS AND PROJECT BROCHURE

ERS: Rural Community Wealth and Health Care Provision

Key Informant

Advance Letter 2013

DATE

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY/STATE/ZIP

Dear [NAME],

One of the ongoing challenges in rural communities is the availability of affordable and quality health care. The Community Assets/ Community Health (CA/CH) project is a new research effort designed to address this issue in an innovative way. Researchers at Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service want to identify how the unique assets of communities can contribute to strengthening local health care, and how a strong local health care industry can help communities to prosper.

The researchers have chosen 150 rural communities in 9 states to study, and [TOWN, STATE] is one of the communities chosen to participate in this new research.

We hope to talk with a few people who are leaders in your community and who are familiar with local health care issues. Local health care providers will also be contacted to get their input. We are particularly interested in any efforts communities have made to recruit or retain health care providers. We are also gathering some information from state and community websites and other published materials.

We understand that you are [RESPONDENT TYPE]. We would like to talk with you because you are in a leadership role in the community. One of our research interviewers will call you by telephone within the next couple of weeks to ask some questions about your community. The interview could take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes and can be scheduled for a day and time that is as convenient for you as possible.

Your participation is voluntary. However, your input is very important to get an accurate understanding of the role that the health care industry plays in your community. Any information you provide will be used only for statistical research purposes. Your responses will be kept completely confidential and the data that is reported will be summarized by groups of communities to protect the identity of respondents and communities.

Please read the enclosed brochure to learn more about CA/CH and its goals. More information about the study can be found on the back of this letter. If you have questions or concerns, please call Iowa State University project staff, toll-free, at 877-578-8848. Tell the person who answers that you are calling about the CA/CH project.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance. We look forward to talking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Janice Larson

Iowa State University

Survey & Behavioral Research Services

2321 N Loop Drive, Suite 120

Ames, IA 50010

ERS: Rural Community Wealth and Health Care Provision

Health Care Provider

Mail Survey Cover Letter

DATE

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY/STATE/ZIP

Dear [NAME],

One of the ongoing challenges in rural communities is the provision of affordable and quality health care within an increasingly complex industry during uncertain economic times. The Community Assets/ Community Health (CA/CH) project is a new research effort designed to address this issue in an innovative way. Researchers at Iowa State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service want to identify how the unique assets of communities can contribute to strengthening their local health care, and how, in turn, a strong local health care industry can help communities to prosper.

The researchers have chosen 150 rural communities in 9 states to study and [TOWN, STATE] is one of the communities chosen to participate in this research. Please read the enclosed brochure to learn more about CA/CH and its goals. The back of this letter also includes information about the researchers, project details, assurance of confidentiality and protection of research subjects.

As a [PROVIDER TYPE], you have been chosen to be included in this important component of the project. We have already gathered information from a variety of sources, including local leaders within each community; but now we need input from those who provide health care to these communities. Please complete the enclosed paper survey, returning it in the envelope provided. If you prefer, you can complete the survey online at [URL], using the Username [USERNAME] and Password [PASSWORD]. It should only take about 15 minutes. The questions address your own background and experiences practicing in your community, as well as your reasons for beginning and continuing your involvement there.

We recognize you are very busy. Unfortunately we are unable to compensate you financially; however our hope is that the project will significantly benefit many rural communities like yours. Participation is voluntary, and any information you provide will be used only for statistical research purposes. Your responses will be kept completely confidential and the data that is reported will be summarized by groups of communities to protect the identity of respondents.

If you have questions or concerns, please call Iowa State University project staff, toll-free, at 877-578-8848. Tell the person who answers that you are calling about the CA/CH project.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Janice Larson

Iowa State University

Survey & Behavioral Research Services

2321 N Loop Drive, Suite 120

Ames, IA 50010