Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach
Abstract Introduction Competency-based medical education is gaining momentum globally, emphasizing demonstrable skills and knowledge. However, the Syrian neonatology fellowship program remains largely grounded in a traditional, time-based model and faces significant challenges due to the ongoing con...
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07696-5 |
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| author | Imad Zoukar Sham Zoukar Mervat Muad Mayssoon Dashash |
| author_facet | Imad Zoukar Sham Zoukar Mervat Muad Mayssoon Dashash |
| author_sort | Imad Zoukar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Competency-based medical education is gaining momentum globally, emphasizing demonstrable skills and knowledge. However, the Syrian neonatology fellowship program remains largely grounded in a traditional, time-based model and faces significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Syria. This study aims to identify and prioritize core competencies for Syrian neonatology fellowship curricula to establish a foundation for a standardized national curriculum. Methods A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating a literature review, focus group discussions, and a modified Delphi technique involving three survey rounds. This process engaged a panel of 135 Syrian healthcare professionals with expertise in neonatal care. Participants evaluated a preliminary list of 120 competencies derived from a literature review and focus group discussions using a 5-point Likert scale. A consensus threshold of 75% agreement was applied to determine the final competency list. Results Expert consensus identified 135 competencies, categorized as 38 (28.1%) knowledge, 80 (59.3%) skills, and 17 (12.6%) attitudes. A weighted ranking system determined that 89 (65.9%) of these competencies are essential for successful neonatology fellowship training in Syria. Prioritized competencies emphasized foundational clinical skills, infection control, and teamwork, reflecting the resource limitations and collaborative needs of the Syrian healthcare system. Conclusion This study establishes a comprehensive set of core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria. These findings provide a framework for developing contemporary, evidence-based curriculum aligned with international standards while adapting to local resource constraints. They represent a crucial step in standardizing neonatology fellowship training and advancing neonatal care in Syria. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-97af5d557a5e4d4b83a004a75dd544df |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-97af5d557a5e4d4b83a004a75dd544df2025-08-20T03:05:04ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-07-0125111610.1186/s12909-025-07696-5Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approachImad Zoukar0Sham Zoukar1Mervat Muad2Mayssoon Dashash3Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityPediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus UniversityAbstract Introduction Competency-based medical education is gaining momentum globally, emphasizing demonstrable skills and knowledge. However, the Syrian neonatology fellowship program remains largely grounded in a traditional, time-based model and faces significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Syria. This study aims to identify and prioritize core competencies for Syrian neonatology fellowship curricula to establish a foundation for a standardized national curriculum. Methods A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating a literature review, focus group discussions, and a modified Delphi technique involving three survey rounds. This process engaged a panel of 135 Syrian healthcare professionals with expertise in neonatal care. Participants evaluated a preliminary list of 120 competencies derived from a literature review and focus group discussions using a 5-point Likert scale. A consensus threshold of 75% agreement was applied to determine the final competency list. Results Expert consensus identified 135 competencies, categorized as 38 (28.1%) knowledge, 80 (59.3%) skills, and 17 (12.6%) attitudes. A weighted ranking system determined that 89 (65.9%) of these competencies are essential for successful neonatology fellowship training in Syria. Prioritized competencies emphasized foundational clinical skills, infection control, and teamwork, reflecting the resource limitations and collaborative needs of the Syrian healthcare system. Conclusion This study establishes a comprehensive set of core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria. These findings provide a framework for developing contemporary, evidence-based curriculum aligned with international standards while adapting to local resource constraints. They represent a crucial step in standardizing neonatology fellowship training and advancing neonatal care in Syria.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07696-5NeonatologyFellowship trainingCompetency-based medical educationModified Delphi techniqueSyriaCore competencies |
| spellingShingle | Imad Zoukar Sham Zoukar Mervat Muad Mayssoon Dashash Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach BMC Medical Education Neonatology Fellowship training Competency-based medical education Modified Delphi technique Syria Core competencies |
| title | Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach |
| title_full | Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach |
| title_fullStr | Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach |
| title_short | Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach |
| title_sort | establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in syria a modified delphi study approach |
| topic | Neonatology Fellowship training Competency-based medical education Modified Delphi technique Syria Core competencies |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07696-5 |
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