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.

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.