Some use the term "pilot study" in the pharmaceutical industry to mean "not a pivotal study," while medical investigators use the term to mean "not the full-scale body." It may also be a small preparatory investigation that is not designed to investigate or test the research hypotheses directly. Although there are a few exceptions, the majority of pilot studies can’t be published because they lack suitable quality.
A pilot study should justify the number of subjects needed. It is intended to provide an answer to the question “Is an experiment worth pursuing?” A pilot study should supply details on how to make a decision about pursuing an experiment as well as provide proof for its designation as a “pilot study.” Among the reasons that provide proof are to learn how to do a new procedure; to establish estimates of variances, correlations, and/or differences for use in power calculations to guide selection of a sample size for the full-scale study; or to evaluate the cost or timeliness of doing the experiment.
Also known as a feasibility study, a pilot study is intended to test logistics and collect information before a larger study is performed and to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the larger study. Doing a pilot study can expose problems in the design of a procedure or experiment. The problems can then be dealt with before the larger study is performed. A good research approach needs careful planning and a pilot study is usually a part of this approach.
During a pilot study, you could check that the instructions provided to investigators are understandable and that the investigators and technicians are skilled in the procedures. You can also assess that the operation of equipment is correct and that the results provide reliability and validity of the data. You'll also be able to identify the unfavorable effects caused by the procedure and the efficiency of actions to lessen them.
The data gathered should be included in the main study design. If the pilot study does not lead to any changes in the procedure or materials, then the data could be included in the main study. The sampling strategy in choosing subjects and the possible changes should be considered carefully before including the pilot data.