What can we learn from pilot studies?
OBJECTIVE
This paper discusses some of the potential lessons to be learned from pilot studies, using a recently completed pilot study of exercise in outpatients with schizophrenia as a case example.


CONCLUSIONS
Pilot studies are a source of important research and clinical information in the areas of recruitment barriers, attendance at study intervention sessions, monitoring procedures, physical sensations from study interventions, and additional outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The author challenges psychiatric nurse clinicians to conduct and report the findings of pilot studies to enhance our knowledge and advance nursing science.
Beebe
Lora Humphrey
LH
University of Tennessee College of Nursing, Knoxville, TN, USA. lbeebe1@utk.edu
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D016138:Walking