ABCs Trial Application Form & Consent

Please note that registration for the ABCs program is now full (except for medical residents). You may still register to be added to the waiting list.

You are being invited to participate in a research study because you are health care provider, a medical trainee, or an administrator/coordinator involved in health care. The ABCs program (All Providers, Better Communication Skills program) is a novel virtual educational program being provided and evaluated across Canada to build serious illness communication skills for health care providers. This program is part of a randomized controlled trial. All enrolled participants in this study will be offered the full education intervention, either in the Spring or the Fall of 2025.

Highlights of this Research Study

About

• All Providers, Better Communication Skills (ABCs) is a virtual education program that provides you with practical tools, tips and strategies when communicating with seriously ill patients and their loved ones.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any health care professional from any discipline, who practices in any care setting in Canada, and is willing to complete the whole program

Overall Commitment

• The total time commitment (including enrollment activities) for ABCs program is about 12 hours . This includes:
  • 7 online modules and 3 interactive virtual workshops of about one hour each.
  • 3 virtual simulated encounters with a standardised patient (15 minutes each)
  • 3 online surveys (20 mins each)

Timeline

• See consent form HERE for the detailed timeline.

Compensation

• All participants who complete the full program will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, specifically for completing each of the 2nd and 3rd (final) simulated patient encounters and surveys.

Deadline

• Apply by Dec 13th, 2024. Please note there are limited spots available and by completing this form you are not guaranteed admission into the ABCs program. Applicants will be notified about their selection and next steps by email.

Questions

• Any questions, please contact Kayla McMillan (mcmilk3@mcmaster.ca)

Click here to read the consent form and to download a copy for your records. The consent form provides detailed information about the research study. Please take your time to make your decision.