The perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation of ECMO services in acute hospitals

Abstract

Dear Editor,

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a highly specialised and invasive intervention that provides lifesaving circulatory or respiratory support for critically ill patients but carries considerable costs and mortality [1, 2]. International studies demonstrate that dedicated high-volume ECMO centres are associated with improved patient outcomes [3]. Australia currently lacks a national framework or guidelines governing ECMO implementation and use, and there is variation in the training of staff between sites and jurisdictions, the ratio of nurses–ECMO patients, the types of equipment used and the treatment of patients between sites [4]. The aim of this study was to identify the perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation of ECMO services in acute hospital intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia. A secondary aim was to determine if there were differences between high- and low-volume ECMO centres.