Creating Safe Connections: A Co-Designed E-Learning Module to Advance Equity and Social Accountability in Preventative Primary Care

Purpose: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and in Canada. Primary care providers (PCPs) play a vital role in incorporating lung cancer prevention and early detection into routine practice. This study outlines the co-design of Creating Safe Connections , an e-learning module developed to build PCPs’ capacity to deliver equity-oriented preventative care. Methods: This manuscript describes the pre-design and co-design phases of the innovation process, guided by the Generative Co-Design Framework for Healthcare Innovation. The pre-design phase established a governance structure comprising patient partners with lived/living experience and interest-holders including PCPs. During the co-design phase, key module priorities and research goals were identified, including barriers to access, stigma and trauma, and operationalizing equity-oriented care. All aspects of the module—its name, logo, content, and knowledge mobilization strategies—were co-developed with the patient partners and health system partners. To inform the e-learning module content, interviews were conducted with community-based PCPs in Ontario, Canada to explore how they apply equity-oriented skills in practice. Interviews were analyzed using deductive content analysis. Results: PCPs’ (five family physicians, two nurse practitioners) interview analysis was informed by the four pillars of Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care: recognizing the impact of trauma and violence; creating emotionally, culturally, and physically safe environments; promoting choice, collaboration, and connection; and adopting a strengths-based, capacity-building approach. These themes shaped the co-design of a Continuing Medical Education-accredited module, which includes video narratives, case studies, a learner’s notebook, and interactive assessments. Conclusion: This work offers a model for the participatory co-design of equity-focused educational interventions that bridge gaps in provider training while aligning with the care needs and priorities identified by structurally underserved populations. The module uses lung cancer screening as a case example to illustrate approaches to addressing inequities in preventative care.