Facilitating feasibility research by using a nurse-led approach: Lessons from the ELGAR-f study

Feasibility studies are undertaken to assess and test important factors that inform the design of a main study, increasing its chance of success. The ELGAR‐f study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting an experimental study examining whether optimising gastrointestinal absorption using electrolyte drinks can improve GI recovery. This paper reports on how the researcher's colorectal specialist nursing experience has facilitated the conduct of this study. This single‐site study comprises a randomised, un‐blinded parallel group design using 2:1 allocation between intervention and control arms for 60 participants, addressing four objectives: patients' willingness to be randomised; assessment of completeness and availability of outcome data from patient‐report and medical records; evaluation of acceptability and tolerability of drinking Dioralyte during 48‐h following surgery; identification of issues affecting Dioralyte administration. Experiences reported relate to the processes of set‐up, recruitment and data collection. Four facilitators relating to the researcher's colorectal nursing background are identified: understanding the colorectal surgical pathway and multidisciplinary teamworking provides insight into optimal times to approach patients; established professional relationships with those directing care facilitates communication concerning acceptance and implementation of the study by staff; advanced patient communication skills facilitate recruitment and data collection, particularly qualitative; advanced nursing practice is reflective and solution‐focussed, enabling dynamic identification of barriers to the research process and potential solutions. Feasibility research is increasingly accepted as an essential component in the design of robust colorectal surgical trials. Specialist nurses working in coloproctology can provide valuable knowledge and skills to facilitate the conduct of feasibility research.