School based feasibility studies: Identifying measures of success

School based feasibility studies: identifying measures of success

Feasibility studies are used to assess acceptance of emerging interventions, ease of implementation and trends in benefits for participants. Findings provide beginning evidence to support (or not support) further research with larger sample sizes and sufficient power to detect statistically significant outcomes. Challenges occur when selecting criteria to determine feasibility; since criteria are not standardized and vary between studies. Intervention studies to promote health in schools have unique challenges due to competing demands for time and space during the school day. A review of characteristics of successful (feasible) interventions is warranted to determine successful strategies that can be replicated.  The purposes of this research review are to: identify criteria used to determine feasibility, selection of research design such as use of control conditions, measures used, statistical methods and qualitative approaches, and to identify characteristics of interventions that are feasible in school settings.   

Methods: A search of electronic data bases (CINAHL, Psych Info, ERIC, pub med) was conducted to locate school based feasibility studies published between 2005-2013 using the following search terms: school, school based, feasibility, pilot, intervention, research, and health promotion.  The PRISMA Group guidelines provide the analytic framework for systematic reviews. Preliminary results: The majority of studies used participant satisfaction and intervention attendance/retention rates to support feasibility. Studies using statistical tests were based on effect size and a small number were randomized controlled trials.  Conclusions:  Analysis is still in progress. Opportunities to strengthen design of future feasibility studies will be recommended.