Development of obstetric anesthesia core competencies for USA residency programs through a Delphi process.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Obstetric Anesthesia

Background:

• Current US anesthesia residency training relies on the ACGME Outcome Project, which lacks specific guidance for subspecialties like obstetric anesthesia.
• This gap can lead to variability in training quality and institutional accountability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and define core competencies in obstetric anesthesiology.
• To create a standardized framework adaptable for US residency programs.
• To enhance the quality and accountability of obstetric anesthesia training.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary list of competencies was compiled from existing curricula and guidelines.
• A modified Delphi methodology was employed with expert consensus from the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology education committee.
• Consensus was defined as 80% agreement on competency importance and attainment level via a five-point Likert scale over two rounds.

Main Results:

• A 75% response rate was achieved in the Delphi rounds.
• 94 core competencies were identified and categorized under the six ACGME domains.
• Competencies were distributed across patient care (38), medical knowledge (45), system-based practice (2), practice-based learning and improvement (5), interpersonal communication (2), and professionalism (2).

Conclusions:

• A consensus-driven competency list for obstetric anesthesiology residency training was generated.
• This list provides a foundation for developing structured, competency-based curricula.
• Implementation can reduce training heterogeneity and improve overall educational standards.