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2002 NSDUH Field Interviewer Manual 

Table Of Contents

Review of Chapter 12

12. SUMMARY

12.1 Introduction

To aid in the learning process, this manual is designed to break down the specific tasks of NSDUH interviewers and explain the parts individually. While that thorough approach helps cover all the procedural details, a reader can sometimes lose sight of the 'big picture' and how these procedures relate to each other. This chapter ties together all the pieces to give you a more realistic idea of the tasks in your workday and workweek.

12.2 Materials and Equipment

Many different materials and supplies have been mentioned throughout the manual. Here is a list specifying when each will be used, so you will know whether or not you will need a particular item at home or in the field.

NSDUH SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR FIELD WORK

  • Your RTI photo ID badge
  • Newton handheld computer and case
  • Extra copies of the lead letter (English/Spanish)
  • Study Description (English/Spanish)
  • Personal Identification Letter on SAMHSA Letterhead
  • Q&A Brochures (English and Spanish)
  • NSDUH informational materials, including:
    – Project Highlights
    – Newspaper Articles
    – Summary of Findings (You will receive one copy to show to respondents. Should a respondent want a copy, you may give yours out and request another.)
    – SAMHSA News Articles
    – Who Uses the Data?
    – Short Reports—Beliefs Among Youths About Risks from Illicit Drug Use
  • Summary of the NSDUH Questionnaire handouts (English and Spanish)
  • Showcard Booklet
  • Gateway computer equipment including power cord, headphones, disposable headset covers, and 20 foot extension cord
  • Gateway carrying case
  • Reference Date Calendars (English/Spanish)
  • Verification Forms (English/Spanish)
  • Small Verification Form envelopes
  • Certificates of Participation
  • Interview Payment Receipts
  • Petty cash pouch, with incentive cash inside
  • Pens, pencils.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR FIELD REFERENCE/USE

  • Your NSDUH Field Interviewer Manual
  • Your NSDUH FI Computer Manual
  • Segment materials including copies of all original listing materials and Selected DU List as well as the Missed DU List on salmon color paper
  • "Sorry I Missed You" Cards
  • Appointment Cards
  • Spanish Cards
  • Personal Appointment Calendar
  • Extra set of alkaline batteries and the battery tray for the Newton (for backup use)
  • Extra special Newton pen
  • Segment Access Documentation Forms
  • Added Group Quarters Listing Forms
  • Added Group Quarters Within-Structure Sketch Sheet.

AT-HOME MATERIALS

  • Addressed lead letters
  • Pre-stamped window envelopes
  • Newton power adapter
  • Black modem cord for Gateway and Newton, with a beige phone cord coupler and a gray telephone extension cord
  • Extra specially designed "pens" for use with the Newton
  • Extra Newton screen protector
  • Pens, pencils, paper
  • Administrative Forms, including:
    – Working copies of ePTEs
    – Working copies of Headway Expense Report
    – Headway Expense Reports
    – Receipts for Escort Services
    – Incentive Advance Balance Sheets
    – Envelopes for mailing calendars/paper expense reports/PT&Es to your FS
    – Paper PT&Es, for revisions or backup, and working copies.

12.3 Organizing Your Materials

Even though NSDUH utilizes a computerized data collection system, there are still a few paper forms for you to use. Keeping all of these organized and accessible can be a challenge. Each of you will develop an individual system for the various forms and pieces of equipment. Suggestions for you to consider for organizing your materials are:

  • An expandable wallet with divided sections. Each section holds an item, so you can find the appropriate one quickly.

  • A crate with hanging folders in the trunk of your car. FIs often use this approach, and pull one of each of the needed items before approaching the door.

  • Files in the computer carrying case. There is room in the case for various materials or for an expandable wallet.

  • Suitcase on wheels. This allows you to keep all your equipment and materials with you while easing the strain on shoulders and backs. These may be particularly helpful for FIs working in urban areas who routinely use public transportation. Remember you must have prior FS approval for expenses over $10.

  • Consider safety issues when carrying the cash for paying incentives. Keep the cash in a safe place and only carry the amount you think you may need for the day.

12.4 Tasks for a Typical Day

Each day you work, there are specific tasks to perform. Of course, other activities vary depending on what you encounter out in the field. Here is a general summary of what to expect each day.

  1. Review/devise your plan of action, including travel routes to/from segments.

  2. Gather/organize your materials and supplies, then double check.

  3. Travel to your segment.

  4. Work! You will encounter one of five situations:

  Can't screen (examples include no one home, vacant units, etc.)
  • choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR
  • approach unit and discover you can't screen
  • complete ROC to document the situation.
  Screen Only (codes 22, 26, 30)
  • choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR
  • approach unit and obtain participation of eligible SR
  • complete screening
  • obtain verification information
  • complete ROC.
  Screen, then Interview (codes 31, 32, then 70)
  • choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR
  • approach unit and obtain participation of eligible SR
  • complete screening
  • obtain Informed Consent(s)
  • connect Gateway and enter QuestID from Newton
  • complete interview(s) with available selected respondent(s)
  • enter VerifID in CAI program
  • complete ROC in Newton.
  Screen, make appointment for interview (codes 31, 32 then 50)
  • choose case from Select Case then advance to Identify SR
  • approach unit and obtain participation of eligible SR
  • complete screening
  • respondent(s) selected
  • complete ROC for screening
  • complete ROC for each person selected, recording appointment time
  • prepare appointment card for selected person(s).
  Interview only at appointment time (or other follow-up contact)
  • choose case from Select Case, review selections and roster
  • obtain participation/informed consent of respondent(s)
  • connect Gateway and enter QuestID from Newton
  • complete interview(s) with available selected respondent(s)
  • enter VerifID in CAI program
  • complete ROC in Newton.
  1. Travel home, mailing any completed Verification Forms on the way

  2. Review cases—any to place on hold?

  3. Prepare for and then transmit to RTI from Gateway

  4. Read e-mail, if any

  5. Prepare for and then transmit to RTI from Newton

  6. Exit out to FormLogic screen on Newton after the light bulb is gone

  7. Complete entries on working copy of ePTE reflecting the day's work, including hours, miles, expenses, incentives paid, and Case ID numbers of completed interviews and any breakoffs

  8. Leave both computers plugged in to recharge the batteries overnight.


12.5 Weekly Tasks

Each week there are specific tasks to complete:

  • FS Conference call.

  • Prepare and submit actual ePTE from working copy (and transmit before Sunday at midnight).

  • Enter summary PT&E data in your Newton (and transmit before Sunday at midnight).

  • Mail to your FS calendars from completed interviews, Interview Payment Receipts, and completed Headway Expense Reports (or backup paper PT&Es) with receipts attached.

12.6 Periodic Tasks

At the beginning of every quarter, you must carefully review your segment materials and assignment for the assigned calendar quarter. Remaining tasks are performed on an as-needed basis:

  • Prepare and mail lead letters.

  • Call your FS for escort approval.

  • Call your FS for help convincing your reluctant respondents.

  • Call your FS for computer questions.

  • Upon FS referral, call Technical Support.

  • Call your FS for help with adding missed GQUs or other sampling concerns.

  • Delete completed cases from Newton.

  • Transmit as requested by FS.

  • Resolve questions/problems.

12.7 End of Quarter Tasks

  • Assign a final code to any cases not completed, with FS approval.

  • Transmit one last time from both Newton and Gateway.

  • Verify with FS that final transmissions are complete and you are totally finished with this quarter's work.

  • Receive special code from FS.

  • Remove all cases from Newton (see Section 6.20).

  • Transmit from Newton again so the RTI computer knows your Newton is empty.

  • After a specified time, transmit from Newton again to pick up the next quarter's work.

  • Return complete segment kit to FS.

  • Pat yourself on the back!

  • Take a deep breath and prepare for the next quarter!

12.8 Continual Tasks

Keep the following goals in mind as you work:

  • ALWAYS do your best,

  • behave profesionally, treating all contacts and respondents with respect,

  • complete all assigned work in a timely manner,

  • work efficiently and effectively to minimize costs, and

  • conduct all work with quality in mind, following the detailed proejct procedures outlined in this manual

REVIEW OF CHAPTER 12

Summary

To assist your learning process, read the following summary of key points in this chapter. Following the summary are several questions to ask yourself. These questions will help you identify those areas you understand, and pinpoint the areas where you would benefit from re-reading a particular section.

SUMMARY

  • Interviewers on this study must learn to effectively manage their supplies, including their valuable computer equipment and extensive materials. You will have to develop an organizational system that works best for you.

  • Your work on this study can be broken down into daily, weekly, periodic (as needed), and end of the quarter tasks. It is extremely beneficial to use these task lists to productively organize (and understand!) your work load.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

  1. List two supply or equipment items that you will NOT be bringing into the field with you.

  2. Before traveling to your segment to begin work, what should you always do?

  3. List at least three tasks that you should do every night after you have finished working.

Table of Contents

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This page was last updated on May 16, 2008.

SAMHSA, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's lead agency for improving the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health services in the United States.

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