Defining Feasibility and Pilot Studies in Preparation for Randomised Controlled Trials : Development of a Conceptual Framework

Acknowledgments We thank Alicia O’Cathain and Pat Hoddinot for discussions about the reporting of qualitative studies, and consensus participants for their views on our developing framework. Claire Coleman was funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Methods Fellowship. This article presents independent research funded by the NIHR. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. Funding: The authors received small grants from Queen Mary University of London (£7495), University of Sheffield (£8000), NIHR RDS London (£2000), NIHR RDS South East (£2400), Chief Scientist Office Scotland (£1000). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD