Optimal design features for surveying low-income populations.

Improving Medicaid program effectiveness for underserved populations is hampered by low survey response rates. This study determined how to maximize Medicaid consumer satisfaction survey response rates to the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study (CAHPS) survey. In a public immunization clinic, 8 focus groups and 15 extended interviews were used to assess consumer-preferred survey design features and incentives.

Rates of unemployment and penetrating trauma are correlated.

Background: Trauma surgeons have observed an increased rate of penetrating trauma during periods of increased unemployment.

Methods: During a 10-year period, the rate of unemployment in a metropolitan area was compared with the rate of intentional penetrating trauma at two Level I trauma centers. The total number of trauma cases was recorded.