Methods
The study was approved by Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). We conducted a cross sectional mail survey of PCPs (physicians, NPs, and PAs) in New York State (NYS) using Dillman methodology.27 PCP names and practice addresses were obtained from IQVIA, the largest provider reference database in the US.28 We randomly selected a group of physicians, NPs, and PAs from practices that met the following criteria: 1) outpatient practices identified as primary care, internal medicine, or family medicine; 2) practices with at least 2 providers; 3) providers classified as the following (NP-adult health, family, gerontology, or primary care29; Physicians-internists, family physicians, or geriatricians30; PA: primary care). The following practices were excluded: 1) university-based/student health; 2) medical specialty (e.g. obstetrics; dermatology); 3) single provider practices; 4) practices outside NYS. The mailings consisted of a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study; consent form listing potential risks and benefits and contact information for the research team and IRB, a paper version of the survey, and prepaid return envelope. Using the Dillman method for mailed surveys, non-respondents received a reminder postcard approximately 3 weeks after the first mailing.27 Each survey had an individual PCP identification number assigned to it to track respondents. Postcard reminders were sent after 3 weeks and then a second survey was sent to non-respondents. At the end of each survey, participants were invited to provide their email address for voluntary participation in a lottery for one of thirty Fitbit wireless activity trackers. Incentives have been found to improve return rates.31, 32