Improving communication skills in anesthesiology residents

Mastery Learning in Communication Skills to Improve Milestone Performance and Burnout

NA · Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT05979090

This study is testing if a special training method can help anesthesiology residents improve their communication skills better than traditional learning methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnn & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05979090 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mastery learning in enhancing communication skills among anesthesiology residents in a simulated environment. It involves a multi-institutional randomized controlled trial where participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving mastery training in communication skills and the other receiving standard vicarious learning. The study will assess improvements in skills through simulation performance, clinical milestones, and burnout levels. By comparing these two approaches, the researchers hope to identify the benefits of mastery learning in clinical education.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are anesthesiology residents rotating at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously completed the mastery learning in difficult conversations course may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better communication skills among anesthesiology residents, potentially improving patient care and reducing burnout.

How similar studies have performed: While mastery learning has shown promise in other educational contexts, this specific application in anesthesiology communication skills is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Anesthesiology residents rotating at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant refusal
* Study participants who have already undergone the mastery learning in difficult conversations course.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Communication Research, Communication, Personal, Burnout, Professional

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.