Co-bedding twins: how pilot study findings guided improvements in planning a larger multicenter trial.
BACKGROUND
Co-bedding, a developmental care practice for twins and multiples, has been theorized as a strategy to decrease the adverse neurodevelopmental effects that may be associated with hospitalization.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of study design, methods, and the measurement of desired outcomes for the development of a larger multicentered study.


RESULTS
Study findings were used to estimate effect size, determine staff and bedside care organization, evaluate feasibility of data collection measures, and identify issues related to recruitment and follow-up. Results were incorporated in the development of a larger multicentered trial grant proposal.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot studies can play an important role in the development of a competitive grant proposal and efficient conduct of a research trial. Pilot studies strengthen a proposal by providing essential baseline information. A general overview of the purpose of pilot studies is provided here, along with a description of the process of using findings from a pilot study to inform the development of a larger multisite trial. Findings from this pilot study examining the effects of co-bedding on twins and their parents are used to revise the research protocol for a larger multisite trial. These changes, which lead to improvement to the protocol, and the rational for these changes are highlighted.
Hayward
Kathryn
K
Dalhousie University School of Nursing, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. kathryn.hayward@dal.ca
Campbell-Yeo
Marsha
M
Price
Sheri
S
Morrison
Della
D
Whyte
Robin
R
Cake
Heather
H
Vine
Jocelyn
J
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015982:Bias; D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010934:Planning Techniques; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D018401:Sample Size; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014427:Twins