Survey Best Practices for Mobile Health Clinics 

When it comes to improving health in your community, collecting data through surveys is one of the most powerful tools you have. Surveys can provide valuable insights that drive action. But how do you design and implement a survey that helps you make the best decisions for your community? Here’s a practical guide on survey best practices that can make all the difference. 

(And don’t forget, if you want more tips or need help designing your next survey, reach out to our team at Mobile Health Map. We’re here to support you every step of the way!)

Why Surveys Matter 

Surveys can capture a wide range of data — from service utilization rates to patient demographics — and they’re essential for understanding how to meet the needs of your community. They help identify patterns, trends, and gaps in healthcare access, and give you the information needed to make data-driven decisions that improve the services you provide. 

Whether you’re gathering quantitative data (like numbers and statistics) or qualitative insights (such as personal experiences), surveys are key to understanding how your clinic is performing and what more can be done. 

1. Define the Goal: What Do You Want to Learn? 

Before you start writing questions, it’s crucial to ask yourself: What’s the purpose of the survey? Are you trying to measure service utilization? Identify gaps in care? Understand community health needs? Defining your goal upfront will help you focus your survey and ensure you get the data you need. 

2. Keep It Short and Focused 

We know everyone’s time is valuable. Keep your survey concise to ensure that people will actually fill it out! Aim for no more than 10-15 well-structured questions. If you can get the insights you need in 5-10 questions, even better! The easier it is to complete, the more likely your community members will participate. 

3. Use Simple Language 

Avoid jargon and complicated terms. Keep your language clear and accessible, targeting a reading level that’s easy to understand (think around a 6th or 7th grade level). This ensures that your survey is accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their background or education level. 

4. Question Types: Choose Wisely 

What you ask is just as important as how you ask it. Different question types serve different purposes: 

• Multiple Choice: Great for standardizing responses and gathering quick data (e.g., “How often do you use our mobile health services?”) 

• Open-ended Questions: Use these to explore experiences, suggestions, or barriers (e.g., “What challenges have you faced in accessing care?”) 

• Likert Scales: These can measure attitudes or satisfaction levels (e.g., “On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you with our services?”) 

• Ranking Questions: Useful for understanding preferences (e.g., “Rank these services in order of importance to you.”) 

• Behavioral – Understand how people use services or what they need. 

• Demographics: Helps contextualize your results and uncover patterns within specific groups. 

5. Choose the Right Survey Format 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to survey formats. It’s important to match your approach to your community’s needs: 

• Paper Surveys: Best for in-person interactions, especially with populations that may have challenges using technology. 

• Digital Surveys: Great for scalability and convenience — perfect for reaching a large audience quickly. There are many free tools out there, like Google Forms and SurveyMonkey, that you can use. 

• Mobile Surveys: These are becoming more popular, as they offer high convenience and quick responses. Consider apps or SMS-based surveys. 

• Phone and In-person Surveys: These are more personal and can be useful when you need to engage people who may have barriers to technology. 

• Hybrid: Mix and match for the best results! 

6. Be Inclusive: Offer Diverse Response Options 

Your community is diverse, and your survey should reflect that. Offer different language options, or provide assistance with completing the survey if needed. The more inclusive you are, the more representative your data will be. 

7. Test Before You Launch 

Test your survey before rolling it out to the entire community. Pilot it with a small group — both peers and community members — to make sure your questions are clear and culturally appropriate. Testing helps ensure that your survey is accessible and effective for everyone. 

8. Avoid Bias 

Bias can creep into surveys in various ways, and it’s important to take steps to avoid it: 

• Wording Bias: Use neutral language. For example, instead of asking, “Don’t you think mobile clinics are the best solution?” ask, “What are your thoughts on mobile healthcare?” 

• Order Bias: Randomize the order of answer choices to prevent people from always picking the first option. 

• Social Desirability Bias: Assure confidentiality to encourage honest responses. 

9. Ensure Data Quality 

To get the most accurate and reliable results, check for missing data and inconsistencies. For example, if someone says they’ve never used the mobile clinic but then rates the service, there’s an inconsistency that should be addressed. Online survey platforms can help with this by marking certain questions as required or using skip logic to direct respondents based on their answers. 

10. Sampling: Represent the Whole Community 

It’s not about how many people you survey, but who you survey. Ensure that your sample represents the diverse populations you aim to serve. If you’re looking to understand a specific group — like older adults or families with young children — make sure those voices are included in the survey. 

11. Analyze and Act on the Data 

Once you’ve gathered your survey responses, it’s time to dive into the data! Look for patterns, trends, and insights that will help you improve your services. This is where the fun begins — taking the feedback and using it to make real changes that better serve your community. 

Final Thoughts 

Surveys are a fantastic way to engage with the community, gather valuable insights, and ensure that your mobile health clinic is meeting the needs of the people you serve. By following these best practices, you’ll not only collect meaningful data but also create an environment of trust and inclusivity in your community. 

Remember, good data doesn’t just sit on a shelf — it powers real, impactful change. So, get out there, engage with your community, and start collecting the insights that will help you make a lasting impact! 

If you want more tips or need help designing your next survey, reach out to Mobile Health Map. We’re here to support you every step of the way! 

Helpful Survey Design Resources for Mobile Clinics 

Survey Tools 

• Google Forms: Free and easy to use for basic surveys. 

• SurveyMonkey: Offers templates, skip logic, and sample size calculators. 

• Qualtrics: More advanced features, including skip logic and in-depth analysis tools. 

Translations & Accessibility 

• Google Translate: Quick translations, but always review with a native speaker or community member for cultural relevance. 

AI Support for Survey Design 

• ChatGPT by OpenAI: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm survey questions, reword for plain language, or get feedback on tone and clarity. It’s especially helpful when you’re short on time or starting from scratch. Just remember to review outputs for cultural relevance and accuracy before use.