Lived Experience of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survivors: A Phenomenological Study

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a vital extracorporeal life support for acute cardiopulmonary failure, serving as a critical lifesaving measure widely utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the enhancement of survival rates and the extension of its utilisation, ECMO survivors face complications and post-discharge challenges. Understanding their lived experience is crucial to promote nursing quality improvement and improve their health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

To explore the lived experiences of ECMO survivors.

A phenomenological study was conducted among patients who had survived ECMO treatment at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan between 2013 and 2023. Interview guides and data analysis were informed by the biopsychosocial medical model. The interview data were analysed using the Giorgi data analysis method.

In total, 16 ECMO survivors participated. Three themes and 12 sub-themes emerged: (1) Living conditions and challenges (physical limitations, long-term effects of complications, lifestyle adjustments, self-rehabilitation and exercise, family economic burden); (2) Emotional distress and support (emotional difficulties and psychological challenges, emotion management and support perception); (3) Expectations and needs (desire for expanded insurance reimbursement, eagerness for rehabilitation knowledge, hope for simplified follow-up procedures and normalisation of regular follow-up).

ECMO survivors face multiple challenges and needs during their recovery. To improve their HRQoL and well-being, healthcare providers should closely monitor the psychological status, pay attention to their complaints and feelings, and provide targeted nursing guidance and multidimensional social support.

The lived experience of ECMO survivors is complex and their rehabilitation is a long process requiring comprehensive support to assist them in better integrating into society.