Better Conversations Improving Surgeon Communication and Patient Understanding Pilot Study to Automate Surgeon Training and Assess Patient Feedback

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new training program called Better Conversations designed to improve communication between surgeons and their patients. The study aims to help patients receive clear and comprehensive information to make informed decisions about their surgical treatment. This pilot study supports the development and testing of scalable surgeon training and patient-reported outcomes related to surgeon communication. The study includes three groups of participants surgical candidates who are consulting with surgeons, stakeholders with previous surgery experience, and surgeons from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Surgery. Surgeons will receive training on the Better Conversations communication framework. Other participants will complete surveys or attend focus groups to provide feedback on surgeon communication and study materials. Participants will be involved through surveys, focus groups, or training sessions depending on their role. Researchers will use audio recordings and patient-reported measures to assess the effectiveness of the training program over up to four years. The study will monitor surgeon communication quality and patient experiences during surgical consultations, aiming to optimize surgeon education and support better informed consent processes.

Improving Surgical Communication for Patients in Wisconsin