Phase 1: Prepare for CASPER
As you prepare for a CASPER, there are many planning questions that should be addressed. Work with leadership, key stakeholders, and CASPER subject matter experts (SMEs) within your jurisdiction or CDC to help plan and prepare. Keep in mind that preparing for a CASPER can take several hours (e.g., during a response) or, if time allows, several months (e.g., in a non-disaster setting). The length of time to prepare is ultimately dependent on your CASPER objectives, which will determine by when field work needs to be conducted.
The first step is to develop clear objectives. Every CASPER will have different objectives, but they are important in determining if CASPER is the appropriate methodology and, if so, the sampling frame and the questions to include on the questionnaire. See CASPER Toolkit Section 2.2 pdf icon[PDF – 23.3 MB] for more information.
How is the CASPER information going to be used?
Understanding how the information is going to be used will help create a clear vision and narrow the scope of information collected. Having clear objectives is imperative to ensuring that the appropriate data are collected to generate useful information for public health action.
Who are your stakeholders?
Stakeholders will help inform the objectives of the CASPER. Identifying who (e.g., emergency management, state and local health partners) will use the CASPER data is integral to both the development of the questionnaire and planning and implementation of action items based on the results.
When should the assessment be conducted?
A CASPER can be conducted any time that the public health needs of a community, and the magnitude of those needs, are not well known, whether during a disaster response or within a non-emergency setting. During a response, factors such as safety of the interview teams in the impacted area, population displacement, changing community needs, and available resources may affect the timing of the CASPER. Therefore, the objectives of the CASPER and timing of the CASPER are closely linked and should complement each other. Typically, a CASPER conducted with approximately 15 teams can be completed within two midweek (e.g., Tuesday-Thursday) afternoons (e.g., 2pm-7pm). Fewer teams, other days, or earlier hours will likely increase the needed hours of data collection. Weekends and morning hours have shown to be less effective and may increase frustration among teams. Contact CDC for guidance and suggestions on scheduling your CASPER fieldwork.
What is the population of interest? What is the area of interest (i.e., sampling frame)?
It is important to decide what area of the territory, state, county, or city you want the results to reflect when determining the sampling frame (i.e., area in which the sample is drawn). If relevant, obtain information from other assessments conducted (e.g., flyovers and area damage assessments, state or national surveys) because such information can be beneficial in determining your objectives and assessment area(s). Remember that CASPER results are descriptive of the entire sampling frame provided there is at least an 80% completion rate. Keep this in mind when determining your sampling frame as it will affect the interpretation of your data.
By when are the data needed?
Keep in mind your deadlines. A CASPER can be conducted in as short as 1-2 days in the field with results produced within 36 hours of completion of field data collection.
What resources and approvals are needed?
Identify the resources and approvals necessary including interview team members (including transportation), headquarters location, any funding needed and corresponding paperwork, Institutional Review Board (IRB) paperwork, supplies, and more. CASPER data can be collected via paper forms or electronic devices; know what is available and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Institutional Review Board (IRB) and CASPER
Be sure to follow your local IRB guidance for all CASPER-related activities and materials. CASPER typically does not require full IRB review; however, have your local IRB review the proposed activities in advance for confirmation. Many times, especially during a response, you will complete a determination form to exempt the CASPER from the full IRB process. This is because CASPERs tend to be classified as public health non-research or public health practice and are not considered research.
Who will identify the clusters for the first stage of sampling?
CASPER is a two-stage cluster sampling methodology. In the first stage, clusters (traditionally 30) are selected with a probability proportional to the estimated number of households within the clusters. Identify someone who can select the sample appropriately. CDC SMEs are available for sampling and mapping assistance. Learn more about CASPER’s Sampling Methodology.
Who will conduct the CASPER data analysis, write the report, and disseminate the results?
After field data collection, data will need to be entered, cleaned, and analyzed. Once analysis is complete, it is important to disseminate the results for prompt action. The local lead of the CASPER is often the lead of this effort and helps coordinate the team members and actions involved throughout all phases of the CASPER, however, CDC SMEs are available for assistance.
Learn more
Check out the CASPER Toolkit, Section 2 pdf icon[PDF – 23 MB] for more information. A CASPER task list pdf icon[PDF – 23 MB] is also available to help as you plan and conduct the CASPER.