Pilot and feasibility studies: Is there a difference from each other and from a randomised controlled trial?

We believe that the term 'feasibility' should be used as an overarching term for preliminary studies and the term 'pilot' refers to a specific type of study which resembles the intended trial in aspects such as, having a control group and randomisation. However, studies labelled 'pilot' should have different aims and objectives to main trials and also should include an intention for future work. Researchers should not use the title 'pilot' for a trial which evaluates a treatment effect.