Training Protocol for Health Survey Fieldwork

Abstract

Health interviews are being conducted in randomly selected households in an urban area of southeastern New England. To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and behaviors of the population, the interviews involve not only health-related questions, but also physiological measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol. The field interviewers, often lay personnel, are trained to adhere to a strict protocol in respondent selection, interviewing, and measuring. This article describes the training procedures used to produce skilled health technicians working in a community environment, and the quality control measures which ensure the technicians' adherence to the field protocol.