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Which study type is that? A guide to study types

Study and experiment types for Health Sciences and Medicine

Pilot study or feasability study


A pilot study or feasibility study is a small initial study that is conducted to test the practicality and feasibility of a full research project. This study type evaluates if the planned study could be successfully implemented and focusses on aspects such as recruitment, resources and study procedures. A feasibility study will examine the overall possibility of conducting the research, while a pilot study will test the research methods on a small group. Both of these can help identify any potential problems and refine the processes to ensure a main study runs smoothly.

 

pilot study

 

Further reading and resources

  • Arain, M., Campbell, M. J., Cooper, C. L., & Lancaster, G. A. (2010). What is a pilot or feasibility study? A review of current practice and editorial policy. BMC medical research methodology, 10, 1-7. Full Text
     
  • Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP), What is a pilot study? Web Page
     
  • Lancaster GA, Dodd S, Williamson PR. Design and analysis of pilot studies: recommendations for good practice. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2004;10(2):307-12. Full Text
     
  • Methods Seminar: Pilot Studies versus Feasibility Studies to inform Future RCTs - YouTube Video
     
  • Thabane, L., Ma, J., Chu, R., Cheng, J., Ismaila, A., Rios, L. P., ... & Goldsmith, C. H. (2010). A tutorial on pilot studies: the what, why and how. BMC medical research methodology, 10, 1-10. Full Text
     
  • Teresi JA, Yu X, Stewart AL, Hays RD. Guidelines for Designing and Evaluating Feasibility Pilot Studies. Med Care. 2022 Jan 1;60(1):95-103. Full Text
     
  • Van Teijlingen, E., & Hundley, V. (2002). The importance of pilot studies. Nursing Standard (through 2013), 16(40), 33. Full Text
     
  • What is a Pilot Study | Why Is a Pilot Study Important in Research | How to Conduct a Pilot Study YouTube Video

Example

Card, A. J. (2022). Burnout and sources of stress among health care risk managers and patient safety personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 16(6), 2319-2321. Full Text
 
 
 

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