Implementing Nurse Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialists to Maintain a Sustainable Program
Date of Submission
Spring 5-26-2022
Document Type
Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Mary Lynne Knighten
Second Advisor
Sara Horton-Deutsch
Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers hope for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome when other treatment methods fail. However, ECMO requires continuous hourly management leading to extremely high operating costs. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the high number of patients on ECMO led to a significant increase in the costs when using perfusionists to manage ECMO. Switching to a nurse-driven model resulted in a 52% decrease in costs related to the hourly management. Changing to a nurse-driven program provided increased nursing support and sustainability, and with determination and support, other ECMO centers can change to nurse-driven programs too.
Recommended Citation
Boyd, David L., "Implementing Nurse Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialists to Maintain a Sustainable Program" (2022). DNP Qualifying Manuscripts. 68.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp_qualifying/68
