That's what I do. I call.
I work at a call center and spend eight hours a day calling respondents to ask questions about their day to day living habits that might effect their health. I'm not a telemarketer. I am neither selling nor soliciting. I gather information from private residents that translates into data used for local, state and federal funding. I encourage you to participate. And yet, many people refuse because...
I'm not interested. One interesting facet of the study process is that you get to consider your daily habits in an objective light. The questions are very specific and ask you to classify and quantify your responses. Rather than a dialogue, I will be asking questions with specific guidance.
I don't have time. We are happy to call at a time that is convenient for you. Since your input is important, we will accommodate you. People are willing to donate money to a cause or spend their time watching reality TV, but not invest in their communities over the phone.
What are you going to pay me? Completion of the study is part of your sharing of your time and talent toward shaping your community and deciding how resources will be allocated. There are some compensated studies, but the amount is nominal rather than value. People are rarely impressed with the offered compensation.
What difference can I make? I mind my own business/pay my own bills/am healthy... Community agencies have invested time and money in education programs. Surveys are one way of assessing the effectiveness of those programs and deciding which need to be changed. During the survey process we also share information that may be new or a review of health concerns, conditions, or considerations.
I am not allowed to converse with respondents. The questions are read verbatim and answers entered electronically. This system allows immediate and accurate recording of data which is separate from respondent identifiers.
I like my job. I learn something new every day. Some people insist on sharing more information than I ask. That's fine as long as they continue the study and answer the questions asked. There are lots of people who do not visit a doctor and consider themselves healthy. There are more people who need education on the warning signs of life threatening conditions. I can't tell them. I tell you.
We are inundated with information. There are TV commercials, radio ads, billboards, pamphlets, flyers, and books. The TV doctors report, share, and advise, as do doctor's offices, if we get there. Apparently, this is not reaching the populous, or we are not paying attention. Or maybe we don't think it matters.
During the CPR training this week the video scenario shows a mother at lunch with her daughter who is choking. She freaks and shouts for help. How is it that we do not automatically know how to help a choking victim? Same for the kid who faints, repeatedly and the mother sits at his side screaming, "Somebody help me! He's fainted again."
Please call 9-1-1. The operator will talk you through what to do next. During the health study I do not offer answers. There are only choices.
The next time someone calls and asked you to participate in a health study, please take the time to understand who is sponsoring the study and what they are investigating before you completely dismiss the call. Your opinion really makes a difference. And your participation makes my day.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
