About the NCHS Rapid Surveys System

Rapid Surveys are fielded by two commercial survey panels—AmeriSpeak (conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago) and KnowledgePanel (conducted by Ipsos). This enables fast data collection with at least 4,000 adult participants each round of data collection.

Rapid Surveys can be used to:

Collect data on niche, emerging, or priority health topics
Close health information gaps
Learn how values and beliefs can affect access, care, and wellness
Assess questionnaire design to ensure data collection is meaningful

Rapid Surveys are fielded several times each year using probability-based commercial online panels. Each survey includes a broad range of questions based on CDC’s needs at that time, so no two Rapid Surveys are alike.

To ensure Rapid Surveys data are sound, NCHS completes a thorough scientific review. Once this step is complete, estimates are released via web tables with basic descriptive statistics and online interactive dashboards with pre-tabulated estimates that allow users to customize their search for information about health topics and demographics of interest. Data files that enable researchers to do their own analyses will also be available.

Methods and Limitations

Rapid Surveys use different methodology, have fewer participants, and have lower precision compared with other NCHS household surveys. However, before each public release, NCHS conducts an extensive review of the quality of all data collected.

In keeping with NCHS’ commitment to quality and professional standards of practice, the Center clearly communicates what is known about the validity and accuracy of the data and the appropriateness of the data for its intended purposes. Honest, transparent reporting is a core value of the NCHS Rapid Surveys System.

The collective timespan for survey approval, data collection, analysis, and public release is much faster for Rapid Surveys than for core surveys at NCHS. Therefore, Rapid Surveys can be a valuable resource for programs with time-sensitive data needs and for leading evidence-based public health response.

Collaboration Opportunities

Are you a CDC program with data needs? You may be able to get the public health information that you need by sponsoring one or more questions on an upcoming Rapid Survey.

Compared with fielding a full survey independently, NCHS’ Rapid Surveys may provide a faster way for CDC programs to get actionable NCHS data on topics that matter to their programs and the people they serve.

For more information on the Rapid Surveys program, contact NCHSRapids@cdc.gov.