Final Report: Providers
2. Methodology
Survey data were collected using a different method this year than in previous years' surveys. To ensure the most informed, representative coverage of the field possible, data were solicited from one individual-a senior IT executive - per healthcare organization. More than 4,000 chief information officers (CIOs) at healthcare facilities across the United States were contacted via e-mail and U.S. mail. This format helped to ensure that facilities would be represented only one time in the survey and that the respondent was a senior-level executive at that facility. Data for previous years' Leadership Surveys were collected using an open format-that is, a format that does not solicit participation in as targeted a manner.
A total of 355 individuals completed the self-administered Web-based questionnaire over a seven-week period beginning on November 19, 2001. These individuals represented 355 healthcare provider organizations located throughout the United States. Data from industry vendors, suppliers and consultants were captured in a separate survey; the results will be reported in February 2002.
