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, âSocial and Health Experiences,â (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 respondentâs 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.