Attach D_HHS_Letterhead(edits)12 11 2006

Attachment D

Dear Doctor:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting a survey in order to assess provider practice patterns concerning stillbirth management. We are requesting information from obstetricians currently practicing in one of five metropolitan Atlanta counties (Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett). The survey is about attitudes, knowledge and practice management patterns regarding stillbirth pregnancy outcomes. This information will be used by CDC to assess provider management patterns and assess the need for educational resources.

The questionnaire is 6 pages long and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Several survey questions ask about your attitudes, beliefs, and practice-specific information related to definition and case ascertainment of stillbirth, the stillbirth surveillance research agenda, and professional education. Please be assured that all responses, including answers that might conflict with practice policies, will be treated in a confidential manner. No attempt will be made to connect your responses with your specific practice or site. CDC will not receive any identifiable information. An identification number appears on the questionnaire only so that the contractor, Battelle, can re-contact non-respondents, and that link will be destroyed as soon as data collection is complete. Only de-identified aggregate statistics such as percentages will be released publicly. Again, your answers will not be linked to your contact information.

Completing this survey is voluntary; there are no adverse effects to you for choosing not to participate. However, we cannot overemphasize the importance of your participation in this project. Your cooperation and thoughtfulness are critical for the success of this research. Enclosed is $50 in appreciation for your time. A postage paid return envelope is also enclosed.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact me at (404) 498-3922.

Thank you for participating in this research project.

Sincerely,

Wes Duke, MD, MPH

Medical Officer

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd, MS E-86

Atlanta, Ga, 30333