Nursing of three children patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during long-distance transfer

Abstract

Objective To summarize the experience of nursing three critical children patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during long-distance transfer. Methods Before the transfer, a sound contingency plan was made in case of problems that might happen during the transfer; during the transfer, the patients' vital signs and ECMO parameters were closely monitored, and their complications were identified and managed; when transferred in the ward, they were handed over and nursed carefully. Results The first patient's transfer time and distance were 8h and 700km, the second's 14 h and 1200 km, and the third's 15 h and 1700 km. After successfully transferred, two patients left hospital thanks to treatment, while the other one, who suffered from Nephrotic Syndrome complicated by pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, died in hospital. Conclusions ECMO support for children patients during long-distance transfer is a specialized and systematic process that requires multidisciplinary coordination. The aid of ECMO makes the transfer of severe children patients with Cardiopulmonary Failure possible and safe, and saves valuable time for the treatment of critical patients. Key words: Nursing; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Critical children patients; Long-distance transfer