Problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients following hospital discharge: A qualitative study

Kang-Hua Chen; Feng-Chun Tsai; Chien-Sung Tsai; Shu-Ling Yeh; Li-Chueh Weng; Li-Chyun Yeh

doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.12.005

Problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients following hospital discharge: A qualitative study

Heart Lung. 2016 Mar-Apr;45(2):147-53. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.12.005. Epub 2016 Feb 4.

Authors

Kang-Hua Chen¹, Feng-Chun Tsai², Chien-Sung Tsai³, Shu-Ling Yeh⁴, Li-Chueh Weng¹, Li-Chyun Yeh⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhwa 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan.
² Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No.5, Fusing St., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan.
³ Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No.5, Fusing St., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No.5, Fusing St., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan.
⁵ University of Kang Ning, No. 137, Lane 75, Sec. 3, Kangning Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan. Electronic address: sub29990@gmail.com.

PMID: 26853922
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.12.005

Abstract

Objectives: To explore problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients during a one-year period following hospital discharge.

Background: ECMO functions as life support during treatment of advanced cardiac and respiratory failure. Knowledge regarding the problems and health needs of discharged adult patients who have undergone ECMO is lacking.

Methods: This study used a qualitative descriptive interview design. Fourteen adult ECMO patients were recruited by purposive sampling prior to discharge. Data were generated from semi-structure in-depth interviews at 3-month intervals following hospital discharge.

Results: Four themes described problems and needs post-discharge: stress resulting from ECMO surgery; making health a priority; support from family friends and health care professionals; and emotional support.

Conclusions: Multidisciplinary evidence-based interventions should be implemented prior to or soon after discharge to help with the physical, psychological and social problems that ECMO survivors experience, which can help improve their quality of life.

Keywords: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Health needs; Physical problem; Psychosocial problem; Qualitative study.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Discharge
Quality of Life*
Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy*
Survivors
Treatment Outcome