title: Experience and needs of family members of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of family members of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Sudden onset of an unexpected and severe illness is associated with an increased stress experience of family members. Only one study to date has explored the experience of family members of patients who are at high risk of dying and treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive research design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 10 family members of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were recruited through a convenient sampling approach. Data were collected using open-ended semi-structured interviews. A six-step process was applied to analyse the data thematically. Four criteria were employed to evaluate methodological rigour.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Family members of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients experienced psychological distress and strain during and after admission. Five main themes (Going Downhill, Intensive Care Unit Stress and Stressors, Carousel of Roles, Today and Advice) were identified. These themes were explored from the four roles of the Carousel of Roles theme (decision-maker, carer, manager and recorder) that participants experienced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses and other staff involved in the care of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients must pay attention to individual needs of the family and activate all available support systems to help them cope with stress and strain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An information and recommendation guide for families and staff caring for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients was developed and needs to be applied cautiously to the individual clinical setting.
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre (ANZIC-RC), Monash University, Prahan, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: Ralph
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9419-9345
authors: R
authors: Tramm
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (DEPM), Monash University, Prahan, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: Dragan
authors: D
authors: Ilic
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (DEPM), Monash University, Prahan, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: Kerry
authors: K
authors: Murphy
authors: Department of Intensive Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Prahan, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: Jayne
authors: J
authors: Sheldrake
authors: Department of Intensive Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Prahan, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: Pellegrino
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre (ANZIC-RC), Monash University, Prahan, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Hodgson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000451:nursing*; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: acute care; care needs; caregiver burden; emotional distress; experiences; family; intensive care; psychological adaptation; qualitative study; stress