Improving communication skills in anesthesiology residents
Official title: Mastery Learning in Communication Skills to Improve Milestone Performance and Burnout
Run by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT05979090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special training method can help anesthesiology residents improve their communication skills better than traditional learning methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 18, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05979090 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are anesthesiology residents rotating at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have previously completed the mastery learning in difficult conversations course may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While mastery learning has shown promise in other educational contexts, this specific application in anesthesiology communication skills is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Northwestern University Simulation Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heather Ballard, MD — Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Heather Ballard, MD
- Email: hballard@luriechildrens.org
- Phone: 3122275170
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.