The purpose of this request is to
integrate several items into MEPS including several new questions
related to COVID-19 (Attachment A) including telehealth
(telemedicine) questions (Attachment B) into the CAPI questionnaire
and a new self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) entitled, “Social
and Health Experiences,” (see Attachment C). The questions on
COVID-19 capture information on any delay in care due to COVID-19.
The questions will be administered through an RU level gate
question with follow up questions asked at the person level as
appropriate. Telehealth (telemedicine) will be administered as its
own event type with questions and probes mirroring those used for
in-person medical provider visits. The Social and Health
Experiences SAQ will include questions in a dual mode (web and
paper) self-administered questionnaire about social and behavioral
determinants of health including questions about housing
affordability and quality, neighborhood characteristics, food
security, transportation needs, financial strain, smoking and
physical activity, and experiences with discrimination, social
support, general well-being, personal safety, and adverse
circumstances in childhood. Data collection will be for eligible
adults (aged 18 and over). AHRQ proposes a mixed-mode (web and
paper) primarily to further protect respondent’s privacy due to the
sensitive nature of some of the items. Web completion will be the
main mode with paper offered to those with barriers to internet
access. In addition, due to COVID-19, in March of 2020, MEPS moved
to telephone interviewing for all panels and rounds currently in
the field with increased use of the web to facilitate respondent
reporting; for example the use of showcards. The current plan is
resume at least some face-to-face interviewing during the fall
rounds for Panels 23, 24, and 25. Moreover, Panels 23 and 24 are to
be extended one year with the creation of Round 6 and 7 interviews
in order to contribute to the data collected for data years 2020
and 2021. The data collected will offset any impact on response
rates due to the pandemic or changes in primary mode for data
collection.
US Code:
42
USC 299 Name of Law: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Act of 1999
The total estimated annual
burden hours for the MEPS increased 3,379 hours is due to the
addition of the COVID-19 related questions, including telehealth
(telemedicine) questions, and the Social and Health Experiences
Adult SAQ. This is a one-time increase for 2021 only.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.