Actively Recruiting
Better Conversations for Better Informed Consent: Pilot Study to Automate Surgeon Training and Evaluate Patient-Reported Outcomes
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2025-10-22
580
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Improving Surgical Communication for Patients in Wisconsin
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Surgeons from University of Wisconsin - Madison Department of Surgery who have an outpatient surgical clinic and treat adult patients at UW Health
- Adults aged 18 or older who present to an enrolled surgeon's clinic with a surgical problem
- Participants must have decision making ability
- Participants must speak English
- Stakeholders must have previous experience with surgery within the last 10 years
- Stakeholders must speak English
You will not qualify if you...
- Surgeons who solely treat minors under age 18
- Surgical candidates lacking decision making capacity
- Participants unable to speak English
- Stakeholders unable to speak English
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Ongoing throughout the study period
Participants who are surgical candidates undergo surgical consultation where surgeons use the Better Conversations communication framework to improve informed consent discussions.
Visits occur during routine outpatient surgical consultations
Duration - Single session during the study period
Participants with previous surgical experience attend focus groups to discuss survey instruments and help improve future study design.
1 focus group session (in-person or virtual)
Duration - Repeated over up to 4 years
Participants complete surveys regarding surgeon communication skills to evaluate patient and family reported outcomes.
Surveys completed at multiple time points throughout the study
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53705
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kyle J Bushaw, MA
M
Margaret (Gretchen) L Schwarze, MD, MPP
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
3
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