By InvitationNot Applicable

Redesigning Surgical Care for Patients in Wisconsin

United States660 participantsStarted 2026-02-27

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates strategies to train surgeons to use Better Conversations, an evidence-based communication framework designed to improve informed consent by helping patients understand the goals of surgery, the downsides of treatment, and what to expect. Better Conversations supports deliberation, patient preparation, and alignment of decisions with patient goals, addressing known shortcomings in traditional informed consent. The purpose of this study is to compare two methods of surgeon training: (1) training delivered by an education specialist using audit and feedback, and (2) training supported by computerized automation that identifies elements of Better Conversations in de-identified transcripts of surgical consultations. The central question is whether the automated training program is non-inferior to the specialist-delivered program. Approximately 60 surgeons from two academic health systems will be randomized to one of these training approaches. Each surgeon will complete a didactic session, have outpatient surgical consultations audio-recorded for feedback, and complete assessment recordings after training. Patients of enrolled surgeons will complete surveys before and after their surgeon's training to evaluate patient-reported communication outcomes. Findings from this study will assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of automated training and support the development of a larger pragmatic study to evaluate the broader effects of Better Conversations on patient outcomes.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria (Surgeons): * Surgeons who work in the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Medical College of Wisconsin who have an outpatient surgical clinic and treat adult patients at UW Health or Froedtert Hospital and MCW Inclusion Criteria (Patients): * Adult patients with decision making capacity * Presenting to an enrolled surgeon's clinic with a surgical problem to discuss treatment Exclusion Criteria (Surgeons): * Surgeons who solely treat minors (under age 18), i.e., pediatric surgeons, will be excluded from this study, but training will be made available to them outside of this study. * Surgeons at UWH who have previously been trained to use Better Conversations (25 surgeons) are excluded. Exclusion Criteria (Patients): * Adult patients who do not have decision making capacity will be excluded. * Individuals who do not speak English will be excluded.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Percentage of surgeons trained to competence

Timeframe: At completion of the assessment phase (after 10 training recordings and 5 assessment recordings per surgeon), approximately 3-12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07475104

SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-03-31

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