Automated vs Specialist-Delivered Training for Surgery

This trial tests two methods for training surgeons to improve their communication about surgeries with patients. One group of surgeons will receive training from an education specialist, while the other two groups will use an automated program called Better Conversations, with or without additional explanatory messages. The trial aims to determine if the automated method matches the effectiveness of specialist-led training in enhancing surgeon communication. Surgeons from two Wisconsin health systems are participating, and their patients will provide feedback on communication before and after the training. Surgeons working in outpatient clinics and treating adults may be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to improving surgeon-patient communication, potentially enhancing their own healthcare experiences.

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

Research has shown that automated training systems are generally safe and well-tolerated by participants. Studies have found that using automated feedback in surgical training can enhance skills without causing harm. These systems, for example, provide immediate, personalized feedback through video analysis, aiding trainees in learning effectively and safely.

Regarding automated training with messages that clarify some feedback is computer-generated, research on similar technologies has shown positive results. These messages inform users that some feedback originates from a computer, and this transparency has not been linked to any safety issues. Instead, it can enhance learning by setting clear expectations.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to improve surgical training. Unlike traditional methods where education specialists provide personalized feedback, the trial examines automated systems using natural language processing to analyze surgical consultations. One approach even incorporates disclosure messages to let surgeons know when feedback is computer-generated, potentially making the process more transparent and efficient. By comparing these methods, researchers hope to find out if advanced technology can match or enhance the quality of training delivered by human specialists, which could revolutionize how surgeons refine their skills.

Research has shown that automated feedback systems (AFS) can significantly enhance early surgical training. Studies have found that AFS improves technical skills, particularly for frequently repeated tasks. In this trial, surgeons will receive different types of training. Intervention A involves automated audit-and-feedback training, while Intervention B includes automated training with additional disclosure messaging. These systems recreate surgical conversations and provide reliable feedback, enhancing training effectiveness. Even with disclosure messages, the effectiveness of automated feedback remains unchanged. Both traditional and automated training methods aim to improve communication and surgical skills, but automated methods offer consistent feedback and can be easily scaled to reach more participants.¹³⁵⁶⁷