Pilot Study

1Detailed Explanation

Pilot studies (also called feasibility studies) are conducted before the main study to identify potential problems with the study design, recruitment, intervention, or outcome measurement. Key aspects include: testing data collection procedures, assessing participant burden, estimating recruitment rates and dropout, refining intervention protocols, and validating measurement tools. Pilot results should not be used to estimate effect sizes for the main study. Pilot studies can be internal (part of the main study timeline) or external (conducted separately). CONSORT provides guidance on reporting pilot trials. The pilot should be registered and reported regardless of whether results are positive or negative.

2Examples

• A.A pilot RCT testing whether a new mobile app intervention is acceptable to patients before launching a full-scale trial
• B.Feasibility study assessing whether a complex surgical technique can be delivered consistently across multiple centers

3Why It Matters in Research

Pilot studies are increasingly expected by funders and journals as evidence of study feasibility. They reduce the risk of conducting an underpowered or impractical main study.

4Related Terms

Related Journal Format Guides

Journals that commonly use Pilot Study in their manuscripts