Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40722172›Full record

ArticleBMC medical education2025

Establishing core competencies for neonatology fellowship training in Syria: a modified Delphi study approach.

Imad Zoukar, Sham Zoukar, Mervat Muad, Mayssoon Dashash

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC medical education, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Imad ZoukarDepartment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. zoukar2002@gmail.com.
Sham ZoukarDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. dr.sham2018@gmail.com.
Mervat MuadDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
Mayssoon DashashMedical Education Program, Syrian Virtual University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionCompetency-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.

methodsA 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.

resultsExpert 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.

conclusionThis 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.

Indexed as

Clinical CompetenceCompetency-Based EducationFellowships and ScholarshipsNeonatologyCurriculumDelphi TechniqueEducation, Medical, GraduateFocus GroupsHumansSyriaCompetency-based medical educationCore competenciesCurriculum developmentFellowship trainingHealthcare systemModified Delphi techniqueNeonatologySyria

Identifiers

PMID40722172
PMCPMC12302574

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.