Trials of complex interventions should be preceded by in-depth piloting of the treatment in order to ensure clear definition of critical components and establish feasibility and acceptability.
In-depth piloting, which includes an exploration of the feasibility of delivering an intervention and attention to the context in which interventions take place, as planned here, is recommended in the new Medical Research guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions[ 7].
Ward et al. [27] carried out an in-depth pilot study in the UK, in order to better understand the way Police records injury severity and analyse recent medical data for the development of injury categories that have medical validity but would be practical for a non-specialist police officer to assign.
First, we did not test the validity or reliability of the questionnaires; however, the questionnaires were modified from the well-tested official ones, revised on the basis of focus group input, and their validity was improved with in-depth interviews and pilot surveys.
Interviewers received extensive training in performance of VA/SA interviews and were trained on eliciting in-depth interviews in three piloting sessions.
Our study consisted of in-depth interviews with the pilot project stakeholders, using open-ended questions and follow-up probes.
In-depth analyses of our pilot data (not presented) showed consistent findings with the literature, with older, lower educated, healthier and male clients reporting on average more positive experiences with care.
To all key Partners Carry out by the end of 2013, an in-depth assessment of the pilot project (involving as much as possible the regional universities); Take into consideration the conclusion and recommendations of the study and design a new full- fledged complementary food processing project accordingly.
But it has not been able to point to any document showing that the regulator had discussed its position on piloting in depth.
The BMA wants to see implementation slowed down to allow a more in-depth assessment of seven current pilots.
Professor Warner, who also supports the granting of Medicare coverage in Mexico, says an in-depth three-year Mexico-Medicare pilot project is needed to better understand the economics, determine whether Mexican health care meets Medicare's quality standards and determine if the payment system is sufficiently free of fraud.
