Communication Skills Training for Surgical Education

(FCS Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new communication training program for surgery trainees. It examines how the training impacts their confidence and skills in communicating with patients and colleagues. All general surgery trainees will participate as part of their standard education. Surgery trainees or surgical attendings interested in education may find this trial beneficial. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to enhance educational experience and improve communication skills in a supportive environment.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the FCS Skills Curriculum is safe for general surgery trainees?

A previous study used the FCS Skills Curriculum in schools to enhance communication skills and personal growth. No direct evidence of safety issues exists, as this curriculum is not a medical treatment but a program for learning new skills. Participants in past studies reported no problems. Similar to other learning programs, it is considered safe. The main goal is to improve communication skills, with no known risks associated with its use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it aims to enhance the communication skills of general surgery trainees, which is a crucial yet often overlooked part of surgical training. Unlike traditional surgical education that primarily focuses on technical skills, this program integrates communication training into the curriculum, ensuring that all trainees, regardless of their experience level, can improve how they interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams. By embedding communication training directly into their educational routine, the trial hopes to produce surgeons who are not only technically proficient but also excellent communicators, which can lead to better patient outcomes and a more cohesive healthcare environment.

What evidence suggests that the FCS Skills Curriculum is effective for improving communication skills in general surgery trainees?

Research has shown that the FCS Skills Curriculum, accessible to all general surgery trainees in this trial, can effectively enhance communication skills in surgery. One study found that a structured surgical program led to better trainee involvement and higher test scores. Another study highlighted how scenario-based, game-like exercises can strengthen relationships with patients. Evidence also indicates that online, step-by-step training programs in surgery are well-received and frequently used by trainees. Overall, these findings suggest that the FCS Skills Curriculum could help surgery trainees improve their communication skills and boost their confidence. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Margaret (Gretchen) L Schwarze, MD, MPP

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I am a surgical attending interested in surgical education.

I am currently training in surgery.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Surgical trainees participate in a 2-hour educational session as part of the FCS curriculum

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for self-efficacy and performance of skills post-training

2 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• FCS Skills Curriculum

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Learners Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All general surgery trainees at each institution will have access to the training program as part of their regularly scheduled educational curriculum, regardless of training year or status as a categorical resident.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

620+

Duke University

Collaborator

Trials

2,495

Recruited

5,912,000+

University of Oklahoma

Collaborator

Trials

484

Recruited

95,900+

University of Pittsburgh

Collaborator

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

University of South Florida

Collaborator

Trials

433

Recruited

198,000+

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

600+

West Virginia University

Collaborator

Trials

192

Recruited

64,700+

Association for Academic Surgery

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

600+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12400461/

A comparison of general surgery training programmes across ...

Data on general surgical training programmes of the top ten countries for the primary medical qualifications of IMGs in the UK were collected to ...

2.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1931720425002703

How I Do It: Avoiding the Cognitive Trap Fundamentals of ...

Avoiding the cognitive trap is a teachable skill that enhances therapeutic relationships in surgical care. Our scenario-based, gamified exercise offers a ...

3.

journals.lww.com

journals.lww.com/aosopen/fulltext/2022/03000/an_online,_modular_curriculum_enhances_surgical.32.aspx

An Online, Modular Curriculum Enhances Surgical ...

A standardized surgical curriculum in ECSA demonstrated excellent trainee usage, positive feedback, and improved examination scores.

4.

facs.org

facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2023/august-2023-volume-108-issue-8/future-of-surgical-training-will-include-major-shift-in-education-model/

Future of Surgical Training Will Include Major Shift in ...

Future surgical trainees will be expected to master their technical skills using clinical and simulation training, supplemented by video-based review.

5.

link.springer.com

link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40670-020-01126-5

Efficacy of Virtual Case-Based General Surgery Clerkship ...

This study examines the efficacy of a novel, case-based virtual surgery clerkship curriculum to determine its impact on student experience during quarantine.

6.

dpi.wi.gov

dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/fcs/pdf/FACS_Section_IV.pdf

Wisconsin Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences

The framework is organized by grade levels: Kr5, 6r8 and 9r12 and is intended to serve as a guideline for school districts in developing curriculum for family.

7.

education.mn.gov

education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/cte/prog/facs/

Family and Consumer Science - MDE

FCS represents a cross-section of occupations and industries that shares common values, perspectives, and goals that center people and their lived experience.

8.

leadfcsed.org

leadfcsed.org/uploads/1/8/3/9/18396981/national_standards_for_fcs.pdf

National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences ...

7 Analyze factors that contribute to maintaining safe and healthy school, work and community environments. 1.2.8 Demonstrate employability ...

9.

cde.ca.gov

cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/he/

Family and Consumer Sciences Education

At the high school level, CFS courses provide a foundation that enables students to pursue a career pathway option through a FCSRO program in one of nine areas.

10.

ca-fcs.org

ca-fcs.org/images/competency_profiles/EducationDevelopment_CompetencyProfile_8x10.pdf

EDUCATION, CHILD DEVELOPMENT, AND FAMILY ...

1. Identify the state and federal environmental and safety regu- lations and the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as they relate to the education ...