Nurses' Experiences in the ECMO Training Process: A Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiopulmonary Support

Background:

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly utilized globally, with over 20,000 therapies performed in 2023.
• Standardized training programs for nurses in ECMO therapy are limited and inconsistent, creating a need for improved educational approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the learning experiences of professional nurses involved in ECMO therapy.
• To identify gaps and areas for improvement in current ECMO nursing education.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative instrumental case study design was used.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine ECMO nurses in Colombia.
• Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes in their learning experiences.

Main Results:

• ECMO training showed significant variability, encompassing both formal and informal methods.
• Nurses reported deficiencies in theoretical knowledge and practical skills but valued hands-on hospital training.
• Socio-emotional skills, like stress management, were deemed essential but inadequately addressed in training.

Conclusions:

• Standardized ECMO educational programs are needed, integrating technical, practical, and socio-emotional competencies.
• Addressing variability in educational pathways can enhance nurse confidence and competence in ECMO therapy.
• Improved training can ultimately contribute to enhanced patient safety in critical care settings.