Neonatal Training across Union of European Medical Specialists Member Countries: A Survey from the Next Generation of Neonatologists

Introduction:
Taking care of critically ill newborn infants is challenging, even more so in the current era of greater use of non-invasive support, leaving limited exposure to learn critical skills. Supporting a growing workforce of neonatologists requires training of doctors with formal curriculums and assessment of skills ensuring delivery of high-quality care. Our aim was to gain an understanding of neonatal trainee experiences regarding current neonatal training across Union of European Medical Specialists (UEMS) member countries. The main focus of this survey was on pulmonology-related skills and decision-making.

Methods:
A structure online survey was sent via the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) newsletter and targeted national neonatology societies from 35 full and associate member countries of the UEMS. Doctors currently in neonatal subspecialty training or having finished training within the last 3 years were eligible. The survey took place between December 2023 and June 2024. All answers were anonymous.

Results:
One hundred and eight individual responses from 24 countries were received. Trainees were confident in endotracheal intubation and postnatal surfactant administration. Current year of neonatal training was the most strongly associated factor with reported confidence in training requirements and procedures, as opposed to having a formal curriculum. Adequate face to face supervision also affected confidence in decision-making.

Discussion:
There currently is no “unified” pathway for training, curricula and formal assessments across member countries of the UEMS. Future developments include provision of simulation-based training approaches and collaborative mentorship opportunities in caring for complex respiratory diseases affecting newborns.