The research is there — ECMO programs are saving lives on a more frequent basis. But hospital leaders must consider what’s needed to mimic the efficacy of treatment at ECMO centers. For everything from consultation to staffing, SpecialtyCare can show you how a life saving program gets up and running.
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine released findings on a study of over 50,000 ECMO patients between 1989 and 2013. The findings indicated that hospitals with more than 30 adult ECMO cases each year had “significantly lower odds of mortality” in comparison with hospitals that treated six or fewer adult cases.
“The volume–outcome relationship is hypothesized to be driven by one of two mechanisms: ‘selective referral’ or ‘practice makes perfect,’” The Journal explains. “Hospital ECMO volume may increase through selective referral to hospitals reputed to have favorable ECMO outcomes. In ‘practice makes perfect,’ increased experience improves performance and thereby outcomes. In ECMO, a multidisciplinary team provides care, so the entire team must evolve for this process to occur.”
The Advisory Board states, “The majority of U.S. hospitals treat 1-2 patients—largely due to lack of a structured ECMO strategy. Limited volumes jeopardize ECMO program quality and financial feasibility, especially due to ECMO’s high start-up costs and resource-intensive, complex patient population.”
It’s clear that having a strategic approach when implementing an ECMO program is critical. Hospitals need the cooperation of the entire multidisciplinary team and must employ best practices for the most ideal outcomes.
Hospitals do not have to handle the responsibilities of setting up a program entirely on their own. SpecialtyCare provides ECMO assessments, consulting, and specialists, including coordinators to manage ECMO programs. Here are some advantages to partnering with us:
The rationale for establishing a program is increasing as the uses of ECMO expand. But the truth is, there’s a lot at stake without the right kind of support.
If you’d like an expert assessment of your current ECMO program or capacity to start one successfully, please get in touch with our team at SpecialtyCare. We conduct thorough reviews and provide consultation to help you know exactly what to do to get your ECMO program running smoothly. We can also place highly trained perfusionists, surgical leaders, and coordinators at your hospital to manage the program.
Paige B. and Jasmine M. Posing infront of machine – blue caps @ Novato Surgery…