All Providers Better Communication Skills Program (ABCs)
All Providers Better Communication Skills Program' (ABCs) Interprofessional Provider Education Randomized Controlled Trial
This program will test whether a blended online and virtual workshop training (ABCs) helps healthcare providers improve their serious-illness communication skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06606470 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
High-quality, person-centered communication for people with serious illness benefits patients, families, and clinicians, yet clinicians often lack consistent training. The ABCs program is an interprofessional education intervention delivered in a blended format of five asynchronous online modules and three synchronous interactive virtual workshops. The study compares providers who receive the ABCs training with those who receive no training and measures changes in competency and observable communication behavior. Outcomes include performance-based measures (such as OSCE-type assessments) and self-reported competency and comfort with serious-illness conversations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthcare workers of any role who provide care or care coordination, including clinicians, care coordinators, and administrators interested in improving serious-illness communication.
Not a fit: People who are not working in a healthcare provision capacity (including patients and non-clinical members of the public) are not eligible and would not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help clinicians have earlier, clearer, and more person-centered conversations with seriously ill patients, potentially improving symptom management and alignment of care with patient goals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinician communication-training programs have demonstrated improvements in communication skills and comfort, though prior programs have varied in content and consistency.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All individuals that work in a health care provision capacity including health care professionals, care coordinators and administrators are eligible to enroll and participate in the ABCs study. Exclusion Criteria: Individuals, including patients, that do not work in a health care provision capacity.
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations
- McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hsien Seow, PhD — McMaster University
- Study coordinator: Hsien Seow, PhD
- Email: seowh@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 1-905-4837369
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.