Recommendations From the Professional Advisory Committee on Nursing Practice in the Care of ECMO–Supported Patients

Background By July 2020, the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization had documented more than 133 000 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implementations, with 61 implementations in adult patients. No clear policies regarding authority and responsibility of nursing staff treatment ECMO-supported patients are currently available. Objective To formulate evidence-based recommendations for care Methods The National Head Nurse’s office Professional Guidelines Department Nursing Division Israel’s Ministry Health formed Advisory Committee on Practice Care ECMO-Supported Patients to address concerns current state professional practice these brought together 15 senior Israeli ECMO experts who explored potential registered nurses caring patients, considered competencies treating discussed training programs health policy, examined outcomes quality assurance. Results formulated following priority issues: (1) determining boundaries nurses’ responsibilities, including designated activities different ranks nurses; (2) providing appropriate content offered, such as generic/basic, above-basic, clinical specialization programs; (3) defining relevant measures Conclusions Introducing international standards would ensure safety effectiveness through risk management establishment new practices.