Problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients following hospital discharge: A qualitative study

Objectives: To explore problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients during a one-year period following hospital discharge. Background: ECMO functions as life support during treatment of advanced cardiac and respiratory failure. Knowledge regarding the problems and health needs of discharged adult patients who have undergone ECMO is lacking. Methods: This study used a qualitative descriptive interview design. Fourteen adult ECMO patients were recruited by purposive sampling prior to discharge. Data were generated from semi-structure in-depth interviews at 3-month intervals following hospital discharge. Results: Four themes described problems and needs post-discharge: stress resulting from ECMO surgery; making health a priority; support from family friends and health care professionals; and emotional support. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary evidence-based interventions should be implemented prior to or soon after discharge to help with the physical, psychological and social problems that ECMO survivors experience, which can help improve their quality of life.