How are Clinical Trials Different from Pilot Studies?
While both pilot studies and clinical trials aim to test new interventions, they differ in scope and rigor:
Scale: Pilot studies are small-scale and exploratory, whereas clinical trials are large-scale and comprehensive. Objective: Pilot studies focus on feasibility and refinement, while clinical trials aim to establish efficacy and safety. Duration: Clinical trials are typically longer and more time-consuming than pilot studies. Phases: Clinical trials often involve multiple phases (Phase I, II, III, IV) to progressively assess different aspects of the intervention.
