A qualitative exploration of acute care and psychological distress experiences of ECMO survivors

ObjectivesTo explore the acute care experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients.BackgroundECMO is used in life-threatening scenarios of acute lung or heart failure. The patient's experience with ECMO treatment and the psychological distress are unknown.MethodsQualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with ECMO survivors 12 months after discharge were conducted and thematically analyzed.ResultsTen participants treated with ECMO for life-threatening acute heart or lung failure were interviewed. Six themes that captured the ICU experience of ECMO patients were identified including; dealing with crisis, critical care, memory, role of significant others and existence today and tomorrow. Deconditioning was the most frequently reported experience. Patchy factual memories contrasted with detailed delirious memories and paranoid ideations.ConclusionPatients treated with ECMO experienced deconditioning, perceived threats of serious injury or death and delusional episodes with recalls of psychological distress.