Design and analysis of pilot studies: recommendations for good practice

by: Gillian A Lancaster, Susanna Dodd, Paula R Williamson

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Vol. 10, No. 2. (2004), pp. 307-312.

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Abstract

Pilot studies play an important role in health research, but they can be misused, mistreated and misrepresented. In this paper we focus on pilot studies that are used specifically to plan a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Citing examples from the literature, we provide a methodological framework in which to work, and discuss reasons why a pilot study might be undertaken. A well-conducted pilot study, giving a clear list of aims and objectives within a formal framework will encourage methodological rigour, ensure that the work is scientifically valid and publishable, and will lead to higher quality RCTs. It will also safeguard against pilot studies being conducted simply because of small numbers of available patients.

@article{citeulike:3008781, abstract = {Pilot studies play an important role in health research, but they can be misused, mistreated and misrepresented. In this paper we focus on pilot studies that are used specifically to plan a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Citing examples from the literature, we provide a methodological framework in which to work, and discuss reasons why a pilot study might be undertaken. A well-conducted pilot study, giving a clear list of aims and objectives within a formal framework will encourage methodological rigour, ensure that the work is scientifically valid and publishable, and will lead to higher quality RCTs. It will also safeguard against pilot studies being conducted simply because of small numbers of available patients.}, address = {Lecturer in Medical Statistics, ; Research Assistant in Medical Statistics ; Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK}, author = {Lancaster, Gillian A. and Dodd, Susanna and Williamson, Paula R. }, citeulike-article-id = {3008781}, doi = {10.1111/j..2002.384.doc.x}, journal = {Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice}, keywords = {feasibility, pilot}, number = {2}, pages = {307--312}, posted-at = {2008-07-16 17:04:04}, priority = {2}, title = {Design and analysis of pilot studies: recommendations for good practice}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j..2002.384.doc.x}, volume = {10}, year = {2004} }

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TY - JOUR ID - citeulike:3008781 L3 - citeulike-article-id:3008781 TI - Design and analysis of pilot studies: recommendations for good practice JF - Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice VL - 10 IS - 2 SP - 307 EP - 312 AD - Lecturer in Medical Statistics, ; Research Assistant in Medical Statistics ; Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK N2 - Pilot studies play an important role in health research, but they can be misused, mistreated and misrepresented. In this paper we focus on pilot studies that are used specifically to plan a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Citing examples from the literature, we provide a methodological framework in which to work, and discuss reasons why a pilot study might be undertaken. A well-conducted pilot study, giving a clear list of aims and objectives within a formal framework will encourage methodological rigour, ensure that the work is scientifically valid and publishable, and will lead to higher quality RCTs. It will also safeguard against pilot studies being conducted simply because of small numbers of available patients. KW - feasibility KW - pilot AU - Lancaster, Gillian AU - Dodd, Susanna AU - Williamson, Paula PY - 2004/// UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j..2002.384.doc.x ER -

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