Expert Consensus Framework for Standardizing Lung Ultrasound Training for Neonatologists Issued by ESPNIC Neonatal Critical Care Section and Point-of-Care Ultrasound Working Group.

Abstract

To provide an expert consensus framework for standardizing lung ultrasound training for neonatologists. We selected an international panel of 15 neonatologist experts in lung ultrasound, based on clinical and research expertise criteria. Ten questions were proposed by the chairs to the expert panel, who assessed their priority (using a 1-9 Likert-type scale). Five subgroups of 2 to 3 experts were identified to develop the statements for each clinical question; each expert contributed to developing 2 statements with their scientific rationale. All expert panelists, including the chairs, voted on all statements using a 1 to 9 Likert-type scale. A maximum of 2 rounds of voting was agreed as part of the modified Delphi process, although consensus on all the statements was reached after the first round. The statements were classified as agreement (range 7-9), uncertainty (4-6), or disagreement (1-3) when the median score and ≥ 75% of votes laid within the specific range. All 10 statements reached an agreement with a median score of 9 for nine statements and of 8.5 for one statement. The percentage of level of agreement ranged between 80% and 100%. This consensus provides a framework for the development of neonatal lung ultrasound training program dedicated to neonatologists.