title: The European database for subspecialist training in neonatology - transparency achieved.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The European Society for Neonatology (ESN) developed a curriculum for subspecialist training in Europe recommending standards for national neonatal training programmes. We speculate whether these official recommendations are widely accepted or used in practice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To characterize the variation in national neonatal training programmes, to enhance transparency, and to compare them to the ESN Curriculum.
  
  
  METHODS
  We constructed a database based on the backbone of the ESN Curriculum: (1) training - knowledge, (2) training - skills, (3) key competencies, (4) personal development, and (5) recording of progress. National neonatal representatives from all 30 member states of the Union of European Medical Specialties (UEMS) provided data on national training programmes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although only one country (3%) based its neonatology training entirely on the ESN Curriculum, we found high levels of uniformity among the UEMS member countries regarding knowledge, skills, and key competencies needed to practice neonatology at a tertiary care level. Discrepancy was encountered on ethical and legal issues and on personal development of the trainees. Mentoring and professional evaluation was generally not implemented in the participating countries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is an awareness and readiness to focus on educational demands for neonatal trainees. Further discussions about the overall educational goals of neonatal training and the essence of practicing neonatology in each country are needed. The ESN will undertake this process to provide an updated and effective syllabus aimed to harmonize care and outcomes for babies and their families across Europe.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, The National University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. Breindahl @ dadlnet.dk
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Breindahl
authors.forename: Mats
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blennow
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Fauchère
authors.forename: Marta Thio
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Lluch
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Luca
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marlow
authors.forename: Jean-Charles
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Picaud
authors.forename: Charles Christoph
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Roehr
authors.forename: Mireille
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vanpée
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vilamor
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zaharie
authors.forename: Gorm
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Greisen
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000592:standards*; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D009359:Neonatology / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013038:Specialization / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014342:Truth Disclosure