Developing a digitally innovative ethics and professionalism curriculum for neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows: a 3-year multicenter pilot study.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to develop and regionally pilot a digitally innovative curriculum in ethics and professionalism in neonatology and study the effects on trainee knowledge and confidence. STUDY DESIGN We developed 13 modules in ethics for neonatology fellows and piloted them at three academic institutions utilizing a flipped-classroom approach. Baseline surveys in ethics knowledge and confidence in approaching ethical dilemmas were compared with repeat surveys after curriculum completion. Pre- and post-tests were also administered for all 13 modules. RESULTS Forty-four of 49 eligible fellows participated (90% response rate). Pre/post comparisons demonstrated significant improvements in overall knowledge and in 8/13 modules, as well as improvement in overall confidence and individually when navigating 16/22 ethical dilemmas. CONCLUSIONS After completing this curriculum, participants' knowledge scores and reported confidence in approaching ethical challenges significantly improved. Future steps include assessing the effects of this innovative curriculum via an ongoing international pilot.