Consensus development of core competencies in intensive and critical care medicine training in China

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to develop consensus on core competencies required for postgraduate training in intensive care medicine. METHODS: We used a combination of a modified Delphi method and a nominal group technique to create and modify the list of core competencies to ensure maximum consensus. Ideas were generated modified from Competency Based Training in Intensive Care Medicine in Europe collaboration (CoBaTrICE) core competencies. An online survey invited healthcare professionals, educators, and trainees to rate and comment on these competencies. The output from the online survey was edited and then reviewed by a nominal group of 13 intensive care professionals to identify each competence for importance. The resulting list was then recirculated in the nominal group for iterative rating. RESULTS: The online survey yielded a list of 199 competencies for nominal group reviewing. After five rounds of rating, 129 competencies entered the final set defined as core competencies. CONCLUSIONS: We have generated a set of core competencies using a consensus technique which can serve as an indicator for training program development. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-016-1514-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.