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A mixed method pilot study: the researchers' experiences
Jacinta M Secomb1, Colleen Smith
1Australian Catholic University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia.
Aim:
This paper reports on the outcomes of a small well designed pilot study.
Background:
Pilot studies often disseminate limited or statistically meaningless results without adding to the body knowledge on the comparative research benefits.
Method:
The design a pre-test post-test group parallel randomised control trial and inductive content analysis of focus group transcripts was tested specifically to increase outcomes in a proposed larger study.
Outcomes:
Strategies are now in place to overcome operational barriers and recruitment difficulties. Links between the qualitative and quantitative arms of the proposed larger study have been made; it is anticipated that this will add depth to the final report.
Conclusion:
More extensive reporting on the outcomes of pilot studies would assist researchers and increase the body of knowledge in this area.
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Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
