Publishing pilot intervention work

Abstract

Pilot intervention studies can be viewed as rehearsals for subsequent full-scale trials. They can help investigators fine-tune later larger studies as well as explore issues related to project management and budget. Pilot studies permit testing of sampling strategies, participant recruitment, intervention content, delivery methods, data collection, and analysis. They also allow researchers to experience the more practical aspects of implementing a study, such as determining the number of study staff members needed to handle recruitment and data collection or identifying special equipment needs. Because pilot study findings may be generalizable, publication is encouraged as long as the preliminary nature of the work is clearly indicated in both the abstract and the article. The present article provides an overview of the types of information that can be gleaned from pilot intervention studies that are suitable for publication.