title: Problems and health needs of adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients following hospital discharge: A qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors: School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhwa 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan.
authors: Kang-Hua
authors: KH
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, No.5, Fusing St., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan.
authors: Feng-Chun
authors: FC
authors: Tsai
authors: Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No.325, Sec.2, Chenggong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan.
authors: Chien-Sung
authors: CS
authors: Tsai
authors: 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.
authors: Shu-Ling
authors: SL
authors: Yeh
authors: School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No.259, Wenhwa 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan.
authors: Li-Chueh
authors: LC
authors: Weng
authors: University of Kang Ning, No. 137, Lane 75, Sec. 3, Kangning Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan. Electronic address: sub29990@gmail.com.
authors: Li-Chyun
authors: LC
authors: Yeh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011788:Quality of Life; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Health needs; Physical problem; Psychosocial problem; Qualitative study