Follow-Up Phone Script

Form Approved

OMB No: 0920-0840

Exp. Date: 02/28/2019

Examination of Jail and Prison Policies Related to STD Prevention

Attachment 6: Follow up Phone Script

IF KEY INFORMANT ANSWERS PHONE:

Hello ______________________,

I am a Senior Project Director in the Research and Evaluation Group at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). About ______days ago, I sent you an email to request an interview with you for a research study that we are working on with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looking at the impact of criminal justice involvement on sexually transmitted disease (STD) risks and prevalence among incarcerated populations. In the email, I gave you some information about the study we are conducting and asked to schedule an interview with you. I’m hoping your received my email?

If remembers the email, ask if they have any questions, and if they would be willing to schedule the interview.

If they would be willing to be interviewed, schedule. Obtain the phone number that should be called at time of interview. Provide contact information and confirm time and date of the interview and their name and phone number.

If they are not the appropriate person to interview, ask if they can link to someone who would be more appropriate. Get name, role, and contact information.

If does not remember the email, say:

I’m sorry, the email must have gotten lost. I can give you some information that was in the email now.

PHMC is a non-profit public health institute that partners with government, foundations, businesses, and community-based organizations to build healthier communities. We provide outreach, health promotion, education, research, planning, technical assistance, and direct services.

I would like to ask you for your assistance on a research study we are working on with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Previous research has shown that the risk factors for those who are in custody or incarcerated are also associated with increased risk for STDs among those populations and their communities. The primary focus of our research is on adults who are being held in county jails/prisons on charges or convicted of crimes that involve shorter sentences (1 year or less). As part of the study, we are conducting confidential interviews with prison/jail staff as well as health care providers who conduct STD testing and treatment for those in custody in the facilities to better understand how criminal justice populations receive services and get linked to STD related and other types of care. We are talking to people in 8 counties throughout the US that have the highest STD rates in the country, including ______________ County.

You were identified as someone who would be valuable to speak with. The interview should take about 60-90 minutes of your time. I will conduct the interview over the phone at a time that is convenient for you. No names or identifying information would be documented or used for any reporting purposes. I will not be tape recording the interviews—just taking notes.

I would really appreciate any help you could provide. Would you be willing to schedule an interview with me?

If they would be willing to be interviewed, schedule. Obtain the phone number that should be called at time of interview. Provide contact information and confirm time and date of the interview and their name and phone number.

If they are not the appropriate person to interview, ask if they can link to someone who would be more appropriate. Get name, role, and contact information.

IF LEAVING A MESSAGE:

Hello, this message is for ______________________. I am a Senior Project Director in the Research and Evaluation Group at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. About ______days ago, I sent you an email to request an interview with you for a research study that we are working on with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study is looking at the impact of criminal justice involvement on sexually transmitted disease (STD) risks and prevalence among incarcerated populations and the communities to which they return. As part of this study, we are talking to prison/jail staff as well as health care providers who conduct STD testing and treatment for those in custody in the facilities to better understand how criminal justice populations receive services and get linked to STD related and other types of care. You were identified as someone who would be valuable to speak with.

I am hoping to speak with you to answer any questions you may have and to schedule an interview with you. If you could call me back at 215-731-2155 or email me at archana@phmc.org (spell it out), I would very much appreciate it. Thank you!