The Feasibility of Studying Fatigue Over Time in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Pilot Study and Lessons Learned

摘要

This article describes an example of a pilot study that was done to determine the feasibility of measuring fatigue in patients on hemodialysis several times a day for one week to track patterns of fatigue. Pilot studies are studies done on a smaller scale that use the same methods and procedures to be used in a larger study and are important in determining the feasibility of a research project. Lessons learned regarding the feasibility of this pilot study are discussed, including difficulties in participant recruitment, retention, and data collection. Suggestions to improve feasibility of studying this topic in patients on hemodialysis are examined and highlight the importance of pilot studies in designing larger scale studies.