On April 29, 2024, a unique educational event took place at the Bevill Biomedical Sciences Building, drawing over fifty clinical research professionals. Presented by the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), this session, titled "ACTion Learning: Ensuring Consent is Truly Informed,” leveraged local actors to bring to life the complexities of the informed consent conversation. Attendees helped mold the scene through a moderated discussion that focused on best and worst practices being depicted on the stage, transforming theoretical discussions into vivid, practical experiences. This method not only made the learning process engaging but also deeply personal and reflective of actual challenges in clinical settings.

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting its impact and the engaging nature of the training. "Great job! The session was a fun learning experience!" commented one attendee, capturing the general sentiment. Another praised the session as "awesome and thought-provoking," highlighting the effectiveness of using theater to explore serious subjects like consent in research. Over 95% of respondents to our survey recommended the session and would attend another ACTion learning event, mirroring the success of previous events (“Maximizing Your Mentee Experience” and “Building Authentic Connections with Community Partners”).

Stay Engaged! Learn more about ACTion Learning See event photos below Learn more about the CCTS View upcoming CCTS events Subscribe to the weekly CCTS Digest

ACTion Learning events serve as companion training opportunities that dig into the nuances of critical conversations in the clinical research arena and align with broader goals to enhance the quality of clinical research and foster collaborative practices across various institutions. Each script is developed locally by interviewing faculty and staff at UAB and the Partner Network sites with boots-on-the-ground experience in the chosen area.

“One of my favorite impacts of ACTion Learning is that most attendees say they have learned something actionable from the events–practical ways to make them better at what they do,” said Cari Oliver, who manages the program and serves as the scriptwriter, director, and moderator of the discussions. “I can think of no better testimonial to the success of this nascent program.” This approach supports the development of a skilled workforce in translational science, ready to tackle the significant health challenges of the region and optimize their own career trajectory. It reflects a commitment to innovation and operational efficiency, by bringing together diverse skills and perspectives to enhance learning and practical application in research.

View more upcoming CCTS events and subscribe to the weekly CCTS Digest to stay informed of upcoming CCTS events.

---