Table 1.

Primary purposes of feasibility studies and those targeted in the current study

Main reason for conducting pilot/feasibility studies	Aspects commonly assessed
ProcessaThis assesses the feasibility of the processes that are key to the success of the main study	Recruitment and retention rates (Non)compliance or attendance rates Eligibility criteria ~ sufficient or restrictive Appropriateness and understanding of data collection tools/outcome measures Length of time to complete all study forms
ResourcesThis deals with assessing time and resource problems that can occur during the main study	Determining center willingness and capacity Determining process time Is the equipment readily available when and where needed?
ManagementThis covers potential human and data management problems	What are the challenges that participating centers have with managing the study? What challenges do study personnel have?
ScientificaThis deals with the assessment of treatment safety, dose, response, effect, and variance of the effect	Is the intervention safe? What is an effective dose level? Do patients respond to the intervention? What is the estimate of the treatment effect?

^aIndicates feasibility aspects investigated in this study.