0990-0391 Section B - Methodology (Statistical Methods)

B. Statistical Methods

1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods

The applicable population (universe) is all of the awardees for the program (i.e., 62 of 62 awardees). All awardees participate in progress reporting because data on each entity are integral for monitoring progress and measuring national preparedness. Sampling is not appropriate as there are too few recipients to employ a psychometrically sound sampling strategy. The anticipated response rate is 100 percent, since participation is a requirement for receiving funding from HPP (please see B.3 for further justification of this expected response rate).

2. Procedures for the Collection of Information

For each HPP grant funding period, the HPP awardees are notified via the HPP Listserv that EOY, and similar information collection forms are available and to submit online, via the designated electronic interface. Awardees have approximately 3-6 months in advance of the due date to gather the requested information and complete and submit the report. Throughout this time, the HPP Field Project Officers and SHARPER are actively involved and provide technical support, as needed.

Data are reported and collected using and electronic data reporting system. The data are then downloaded and checked for accuracy (validity and completeness), after which the data are transformed into variables that are usable for analysis. Standard analytic techniques and simple descriptive analyses are conducted to draft reports on data status before completing a comprehensive data analysis using a variety of standard statistical programs, Statistical Analysis System (SAS), SPSS, GIS, Excel and Access.

SHARPER employs descriptive statistics to describe the basic features of the data. Univariate analysis is used to examine: distribution (frequency), central tendency (mean, median, and mode) and dispersion (range, variance, and standard deviation). In some cases, HPP performs correlations to describe the degree of relationship between two variables. These methods, together with simple graphics analysis, serve as the basis for the analysis. This data collection effort does not require any statistical method for sample stratification, sample selection or estimation, since 100% of the awardees will be completing the data collection reports.

3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Non-responsiveness

One of the conditions for receiving HPP funding is completing appropriate reporting requirements as outlined in HPP program guidance. This requirement increases the likelihood of achieving a response rate of 100 percent. In addition, HPP designed the electronic data collection tools for ease of use. Clear and concise instructions are included with the reports to help maximize response rates. HPP personnel also discuss reporting requirements during monthly conference calls with awardees, answering any questions and providing reminders for the due dates of the reports. They provide instructions and guidance on how to complete the report and tools and answer general questions as needed throughout the data collection effort. HPP Field Project Officers and SHARPER monitor response rates and work with awardees to ensure completion of reports. HPP and SHARPER began sharing awardee-specific data summaries and snapshot analyses with awardees to validate the accuracy of the information.

4. Test of Procedures or Methods to be Undertaken

Several sections of the End-of-Year reports have been previously utilized by HPP during past years of the program, so length of time for completion was estimated from previous awardee experience. The reports have evolved over the years based on awardee and Field Project Officer feedback about the ease of data entry and analysis. The program measure section of the reports was reviewed by a small subset of awardees to determine the amount of time it would take to complete.

5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data

Statistical Aspects of Design and Data Collection/Analysis Contacts

Mr. Torrance Brown, MPH, Acting Branch Chief

Science Healthcare Preparedness Evaluation and Research Branch (SHARPER)

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

330 C ST., SW, Room 5615

Washington DC 20201

(202) 245-0735

torrance.brown@hhs.gov