Characteristics of the pilot test: a review of articles published in nursing

Abstract

Objective. To know and describe the charac­teristics of pilot-tests mentioned in nursing research papers published within a three year period in a group of indexed journals.

Method. Descriptive, retrospective and trans­versal study, with a 271 research articles sample, they were selected 42. An 18-items instrument was elaborated and submitted to experts analysis and then pilot-tested previous to the final review, aiming to evaluate the characteristics of the articles pub­lished in four Latin-American journals.

Results. 15.7% indicated a previous pilot-testing, and the rest did not mention a pilot-test. Regard­ing researches that used technical procedures, only 45% mentioned previous training for those in charge of application.

Discussion. Identifying previously that the instru­ment is confusing for the research subject might help in modifying it before it can be applied on a final sample, decreasing, thus, the susceptible error.

Conclusion. Without reporting the previous PT application, the research psychometric instru­ments and technical procedures reliability and truthfulness decrease.