Korean J Anesthesiol.  2017 Dec;70(6):601-605. 10.4097/kjae.2017.70.6.601.

Introduction of a pilot study

• In J

• KMID: 2395668
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2017.70.6.601

Abstract

A pilot study asks whether something can be done, should the researchers proceed with it, and if so, how. However, a pilot study also has a specific design feature; it is conducted on a smaller scale than the main or full-scale study. In other words, the pilot study is important for improvement of the quality and efficiency of the main study. In addition, it is conducted in order to assess the safety of treatment or interventions and recruitment potentials, examine the randomization and blinding process, increase the researchers' experience with the study methods or medicine and interventions, and provide estimates for sample size calculation. This review discusses with a focus on the misconceptions and the ethical aspect of a pilot study. Additionally how to interpret the results of a pilot study is also introduced in this review.

Keyword

Feasibility; Methodology; Pilot

MeSH Terms

Pilot Projects*
Random Allocation
Sample Size