Comparing AI Role-Play and Peer Role-Play for Informed Consent Training in Endoscopy: A Randomized Control Trial
This study is looking at the best way to teach future healthcare professionals how to explain endoscopy procedures to patients and get their 'informed consent'. Informed consent means you understand what's going to happen, including any risks and benefits, before you agree to a medical procedure. The researchers are comparing two training methods: using artificial intelligence (AI) programs for practice, or practicing with a fellow student (peer role-play). They want to find out which method helps trainees learn better communication skills and feel more confident when discussing important medical decisions with patients. Participants will attend a lecture, practice using one of the methods, and then show what they've learned in a simulated patient meeting.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about improving how future healthcare professionals talk to patients about medical procedures, specifically endoscopies. An endoscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your body. Before any procedure like this, it's really important for you, as the patient, to understand exactly what's involved – why it's being done, what to expect, and any potential risks or benefits.
This understanding is called 'informed consent'. It ensures you can make a clear decision about your care. Good communication from healthcare staff is key to this process. This research specifically wants to see which training method is more effective for teaching future doctors how to explain these things clearly and kindly to patients: practicing with a smart computer program (AI-based role-play) or practicing with another human (peer role-play).
The study aims to discover if practicing with AI can help trainees become better at explaining complex medical information, improve their communication skills, and make them feel more confident when speaking to patients about important decisions like having an endoscopy. Ultimately, the goal is to help ensure that all patients receive clear, understandable information before any procedure.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to improve patient-doctor communication about medical procedures.
- It compares AI role-play with practicing with another person for training future doctors.
- The focus is on how well trainees explain information and their confidence.
- Better training means patients get clearer information before procedures.
- Only healthcare trainees from the University of Toronto can participate.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you must be a healthcare trainee currently studying at the University of Toronto. This means the study is focused on people who are learning to become doctors or other medical professionals.
You would not be able to join the study if you have already taken consent for an endoscopy procedure 25 or more times. This helps make sure that participants are fairly new to the task of getting informed consent for endoscopies, so the training methods can be properly evaluated.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you currently a healthcare trainee at the University of Toronto?
- Have you obtained informed consent for an endoscopy fewer than 25 times before?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you speak English well enough to participate in simulations?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your participation will involve a few steps. First, you'll attend a lecture, which will teach you about the process of getting informed consent from patients. After the lecture, you will be assigned to one of two groups: either you'll practice explaining endoscopy procedures using an AI program, or you'll practice with another trainee. Finally, you'll take part in a simulated meeting with a 'mock patient' (an actor pretending to be a patient) to show how well you can explain the procedure and get their consent. The total duration of your involvement will be limited to these activities, without any long-term follow-up.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Scarborough Health Network, University of TorontoVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'informed consent'?
It's when a patient understands a medical procedure, its risks, and benefits, and agrees to it before having it done.
What is an endoscopy?
It's a medical procedure where doctors use a thin tube with a camera to look inside your body, for example, your digestive system.
What is 'AI role-play'?
It's practicing conversations with a smart computer program that acts like a patient, responding to what you say.
Why are they doing this study?
To find the best way to teach future healthcare professionals how to explain procedures clearly and effectively to patients.
Who can take part?
Healthcare trainees from the University of Toronto who haven't already taken consent for endoscopy many times.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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