Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical life support technology that
requires a highly skilled and cohesive team to operate effectively. This multidisciplinary team
typically includes intensivists, surgeons, perfusionists, nurses, and respiratory therapists,
each bringing specialized expertise to the patient’s care.
Success in ECMO management goes beyond individual competence; it demands a deep
understanding of each team members role and a collective commitment to optimal patient
care. Moreover, the ability to work seamlessly with colleagues and foster strong
interpersonal relationships is just as crucial as technical proficiency. Building such a team is
essential for success and, ultimately, for achieving the best possible patient outcomes.
This article outlines five key factors that contribute to developing a strong, efficient ECMO
team.
- Careful Selection of Team Members
The foundation of a successful ECMO team lies in selecting the right individuals. Key
qualities to look for include a passion for the field, a positive attitude, willingness to learn,
and dedication to go above and beyond.
Implementing a thorough selection process, including detailed applications and in-person
interviews, can help identify candidates with these traits. It’s crucial to ensure that applicants
understand the complexity of the role, the dedication required to maintain competency, and
the importance of being open to constructive criticism.
- Comprehensive Training and Skill Development
Developing a robust in-house ECMO training program can be highly beneficial. This
approach allows new team members to learn about the equipment they’ll be using and build
relationships with existing staff. Key components of an effective training program include:
● Following ELSO guidelines and protocols
● Conducting wet drills in small groups of similar skill levels
● Maintaining a minimum number of live pump hours annually
● Requiring attendance at regular team meetings
● Implementing annual written exams with a high pass threshold
- Fostering a Supportive Team Environment
Creating a positive and supportive team culture is essential for ECMO teams, particularly
given the complex and stressful nature of their work. To cultivate an atmosphere of mutual
respect and support, it’s crucial to encourage positive professional interactions and
constructive feedback among team members. This approach fosters an environment where
everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their experience level.
Recognition plays a vital role in maintaining team morale. Recognition of both individual and
collective accomplishments, particularly during events like ECMO Specialist Week,
reinforces the team’s dedication and highlights the value of their collaborative efforts.
Additionally, nurturing professional development through conference attendance and other
learning opportunities demonstrates a commitment to each team members growth, further
enhancing team cohesion.
From a leadership perspective, it can also be a useful strategy for the ECMO coordinator to
maintain an open-door policy. This approach ensures that team members feel comfortable
discussing concerns or ideas, promoting open communication and facilitating continuous
improvement within the team. By setting this tone of openness and support, leadership
establishes the foundation for a positive team culture that permeates throughout the entire
ECMO program.
- Continuous Learning and Improvement
As with any specialized field in healthcare, continuous learning and improvement within
ECMO teams is essential for maintaining the highest standards of patient care and staying
abreast of technological advancements. The complex and evolving nature of ECMO therapy
demands that team members consistently refine their skills and expand their knowledge
base.
Creating a team culture focused on continuous improvement can be achieved through
various strategies. Treating every clinical encounter as a teaching opportunity helps
reinforce learning and promotes knowledge sharing among team members. Furthermore,
actively involving specialists, particularly newer team members, in critical but less frequent
procedures such as cannulations, decannulations, and complex surgical interventions
provides invaluable hands-on experience.
Aside from learning at the bedside, involving team members in data collection and analysis
can be incredibly beneficial. This engagement enhances team members; understanding of
outcomes and best practices, contributing to evidence-based improvements in patient care.
It also empowers team members to take ownership of the programs success and fosters a
data-driven approach to decision-making.
Another valuable strategy is for the ECMO coordinator to offer one-on-one skills sessions.
These personalized mentorship opportunities allow for focused skill refinement and provide
undivided attention to individual team members; learning needs. This tailored approach can
address specific areas for improvement, boost confidence, and ensure that all team
members are performing at their highest potential.
- Empowerment and Ownership
Empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the programs
development can significantly enhance team cohesion and performance. This can be
achieved by:
● Involving team members in program development and decision-making
● Encouraging participation in grand rounds and other presentations
● Recognizing and rewarding high performers and those who show initiative
● Creating a culture where team members feel confident to speak up about concerns without fear of criticism
IEC: Your Partner in Building Excellent ECMO
Teams
Being a part of an ECMO team can be incredibly rewarding. It can be a chance to work in
synchrony with others, operating at the top of their skill set while actively working to save
lives. But building this kind of team takes effort and careful consideration—it requires
attention to team member selection, comprehensive training, fostering a supportive
environment, and empowering team members. When these key factors are effectively
implemented, ECMO programs can achieve exceptional patient care outcomes and maintain
high team morale.
At Innovative ECMO Concepts (IEC), we recognize the critical importance of these factors in
ECMO program development. We’ve witnessed firsthand how this team-focused strategy
leads to superior program outcomes, improving patient care, enhancing team performance,
and increasing program efficiency. By partnering with IEC, healthcare institutions can benefit
from our expertise in building and maintaining high-performing ECMO teams, ultimately
leading to better patient outcomes and a more resilient, capable ECMO program.
