Protocol for the development of NHMRC-endorsed guidelines for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using GRADE...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Extracorporeal life support (ECMO) use has rapidly expanded over 15 years for severe respiratory/cardiovascular failure.
• Significant variation exists in ECMO indications, management, and support systems.
• Existing guidelines lack generalizability to Australian and New Zealand healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process for developing evidence-based guidelines for ECMO in Australia and New Zealand.
• To establish standardized, reliable protocols for ECMO implementation and management.

Main Methods:

• Protocol informed by NHMRC Guidelines for Guidelines and GRADE framework.
• Three-phase evidence analysis: existing guidelines, systematic reviews, and de novo primary literature analysis.
• Utilizes GRADEpro and Covidence software for systematic reviews.

Main Results:

• The study details a systematic methodology for guideline creation.
• The process involves rigorous evaluation of existing evidence and primary research.
• This ensures a comprehensive and robust evidence base for the guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The described process will yield evidence-based ECMO guidelines tailored for Australia and New Zealand.
• Guidelines will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and the GRADEpro GDT application.
• This initiative aims to standardize and improve the quality of ECMO care.