Using CAHPS Surveys

CAHPS Survey Design and Administration

Review general guidance on CAHPS survey design and administration to learn how to prepare a survey instrument that meets your needs, prepare a sample, and collect and track the data.

• Formatting CAHPS questionnaires for mail, web, and phone administrations. 
• Translating CAHPS surveys. 
• Examples of sample frame elements for CAHPS surveys. 
• Calculating the starting sample size for CAHPS surveys. 
• Preparing sample files before collecting data for CAHPS surveys. 
• Recommended data collection procedures for CAHPS surveys. 
• Methods for increasing the number of responses to CAHPS surveys. 
• Tracking returned CAHPS questionnaires and assessing their completeness. 
• Calculating response rates for CAHPS surveys.

Analyzing CAHPS Survey Data

Learn about programs and guidance available to support users in analyzing CAHPS survey data to generate results that can be reported to healthcare providers, administrators, and consumers. Consult the following documents and files to assist with data preparation and analysis:

• Preparing Data from CAHPS Surveys for Analysis (PDF, 369 KB)
• CAHPS Analysis Program with Test Modules (ZIP, 68 KB)
• Instructions for Analyzing Data from CAHPS Surveys (PDF, 966 KB)
• Using Natural Language Processing to Code Patient Experience Narratives Capabilities and Challenges

Modifying and Naming CAHPS Surveys

Learn about modifying and naming CAHPS surveys to understand what changes you can make to a CAHPS survey and how to give proper attribution to the CAHPS program. You can use supplemental items developed under the CAHPS program, borrow items from other surveys, or develop items for your own purposes, as long as you retain all core items of the CAHPS questionnaire in the same order.

Translating Surveys and Other Materials

Review guidance on translating surveys and other materials to meet the needs of non-English speakers in the United States and internationally.

• Translating CAHPS Surveys (PDF, 246 KB)

Planning a CAHPS Survey Project

Review the steps involved in planning a CAHPS survey project, from the formation of a project team to the planning of an evaluation. This section offers key questions to help you define your specific needs and document your decisions.

Hiring a CAHPS Survey Vendor

Review recommendations for finding and hiring the right vendor to administer the survey and possibly analyze and report results.

Managing a CAHPS Survey Project

Learn about managing a CAHPS survey project to ensure that your survey project runs smoothly and that your team is prepared to handle any unexpected problems. Review tips and considerations relevant to effective communication, a realistic budget and schedule, and a good working relationship with your vendor.

Tools for Survey Users

Useful Online Tools for CAHPS Survey Users (Webcast) (November 16, 2022). This webcast explored three free online tools that support the work of CAHPS survey users: AHRQ Data Tools, the CAHPS Analysis Program, and Your CAHPS Survey.

Useful Online Tools for CAHPS Survey Users (Webcast) (45:23)