Polio - The Late Effects Reality

Approach

The method of data collection involved two parts – an initial postal survey to be collected by the interviewer upon visiting the respondent and then an assessment of each respondent by the OT. This approach was chosen to:

1. Increase the return rate – it was thought that many people might have had difficulty completing a written survey due to their physical condition or symptoms.
2. Improve the quality of data collected – future needs assessments and prognosis.
3. Develop trust with the interviewer that shared information would be kept secure.

Interviewers

All of the interviews were conducted by professional Occupational Therapists. This was for three reasons:

1. To assist with a professional prognosis of future needs.
2. To increase credibility of the survey, the integrity of the information and therefore trust with the respondents being surveyed.
3. To give respondents an opportunity for a professional assessment of their needs and an opportunity for some advice.

Needs of the Respondents

All participation was on a strictly voluntary basis.

The nature of Polio Survivors and the symptoms of LEP meant that it was important that the survey methodology met the needs of those being surveyed as much as it did those conducting the survey.

Respondents were interviewed at a time and place suitable for both parties; preferably, this was at the home of the respondent. Participation was on a strictly voluntary basis – respondents were asked for consent in writing and guaranteed security of the data collected and anonymity.

Time Period

All the above factors – professional interviews conducted in a wide range of locations at times suitable to the respondents - meant that collecting quality data for the survey was both time and cost intensive. It took 6 months to collect and collate the results from all the respondents ending in January 2003. The analysis of that data and preparation of the report has taken a further 10 months.

Note: Initially the survey covered 225 respondents. However since completion, a respondent has died and, in common with normal research practice, the data relating to the deceased has been excluded from the findings.