Data collection and processing

Before the survey is launched, investigators were trained about the study. A pre-test trail was also conducted by two-person groups. During the investigation, a “one-to-one” questionnaire survey method was taken up. It was distributed, answered, and collected upon completion. Once all the completed questionnaires were collected, they will be summarized, coded, and screened by an investigator. The criteria for questionnaire selection was based on the completion rate ≥ 80%, with missing values replaced by a median option. If, in the case of two or more participants of the same position level in one unit or institution both/all filled out the questionnaires, selection priority was given to those who had more experience with international communication and cooperation. At last, all the survey results were entered twice by two investigators, simultaneously. Computer logic error detection was used to ensure an accurate completion of the final database. A total of 60 questionnaires were distributed and 58 of them were considered valid, making the effective rate of the questionnaire reach 96.7%. As a result, the 58 questionnaires were collected and analyzed for our study purpose.