title: Conducting pilot and feasibility studies.
abstract: Planning a well-designed research study can be tedious and laborious work. However, this process is critical and ultimately can produce valid, reliable study findings. Designing a large-scale randomized, controlled trial (RCT)-the gold standard in quantitative research-can be even more challenging. Even the most well-planned study potentially can result in issues with research procedures and design, such as recruitment, retention, or methodology. One strategy that may facilitate sound study design is the completion of a pilot or feasibility study prior to the initiation of a larger-scale trial. This article will discuss pilot and feasibility studies, their advantages and disadvantages, and implications for oncology nursing research.  .
authors: Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Fort Myers, FL.
authors: Diane G
authors: DG
authors: Cope
mesh_terms: D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*
keywords: feasibility study; pilot study; quantitative research