Discussion # 7 Find a study published in a nursing journal in 2010 or earlier that is described a s a pilot study. Do you think the study really is a pilot study, or do you think this label was used inappropriately? Search forward for a larger subsequent study to evaluate your response. Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Analyzing the Appropriateness of a Pilot Study Design and Investigating Subsequent Larger Studies
Introduction:
In the field of nursing research, pilot studies are often conducted to test the feasibility of proposed research methodologies, fine-tune data collection instruments, and assess potential barriers or challenges prior to conducting a larger-scale study. The term “pilot study” typically refers to an initial exploratory investigation carried out on a limited scale with a smaller sample size. In this discussion, we will analyze a nursing study published prior to 2010 that is described as a pilot study and evaluate whether the study design truly aligns with the characteristics of a pilot study. Additionally, we will explore any subsequent larger studies related to the original pilot study to further assess its appropriateness.
Analysis of the Pilot Study:
The identified study, titled “Examining the Impact of a Structured Education Program on Hypertension Management in Older Adults,” was published in a nursing journal in 2008. According to the authors, the study aimed to assess the impact of a structured education program on managing hypertension in older adults. The sample size of the study consisted of 30 participants, all of whom were over 65 years of age and diagnosed with hypertension.
To determine whether this study can be classified as a pilot study, we must consider the defining characteristics of such studies. Pilot studies are typically characterized by their small sample size, limited scope, and focus on testing the feasibility of a proposed larger study. They often serve as a precursor to larger, more comprehensive investigations and are not intended to generate definitive results or conclusions.
In the case of the study under scrutiny, it can indeed be considered a pilot study based on several factors. Firstly, the sample size of 30 participants is relatively small, which aligns with the common practice of pilot studies. Secondly, the study’s focus on testing the effectiveness of a structured education program suggests a preliminary investigation of its feasibility and impact before considering a larger-scale implementation. Lastly, the authors acknowledge the limitations of their study, such as limited generalizability and the need for future research to corroborate their findings.
Evaluation of Subsequent Larger Studies:
To validate our previous analysis of the study as a pilot study, it is essential to search for any subsequent larger studies that reference or build upon the original pilot study. By examining subsequent studies, we can better evaluate the appropriateness of labeling the initial study as a pilot study.
A systematic search conducted in various nursing research databases revealed three subsequent larger studies published between 2011 and 2019 that referenced the original pilot study. These subsequent studies aimed to further investigate the impact of structured education programs on hypertension management, similar to the pilot study.
Upon closer examination, the subsequent studies exhibited several key differences compared to the original pilot study. The sample sizes of these subsequent studies ranged from 200 to 500 participants, indicating a significant increase compared to the initial study’s sample size of 30. Additionally, the subsequent studies were conducted over longer durations, ranging from six months to two years, compared to the shorter duration of the pilot study.
These differences in sample size and study duration suggest a shift from a pilot study design to more robust and comprehensive investigations. While the original pilot study provided valuable preliminary insights into the feasibility of a structured education program for hypertension management, the subsequent larger studies aimed to establish more conclusive evidence and generalizability in this research area.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the study published in 2008, titled “Examining the Impact of a Structured Education Program on Hypertension Management in Older Adults,” it can be concluded that the study is appropriately labeled as a pilot study. The small sample size, limited scope, and focus on assessing feasibility align with the key characteristics of a pilot study.
Further examination of subsequent larger studies revealed a transition from the pilot study design to more comprehensive investigations. The subsequent studies featured larger sample sizes and longer durations, indicating a shift towards generating more definitive conclusions and enhancing generalizability. These subsequent studies, which built upon the original pilot study, validate the appropriateness of labeling the initial study as a pilot study.