Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cardiopulmonary Resusciation (ECPR) research priorities in Australia: A clinician survey.

BackgroundThe use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiorespiratory failure and during cardiopulmonary resuscitation has increased significantly and is resource intensive. High-quality evidence to guide management of patients on ECMO is limited.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the research priorities of clinicians for ECMO and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cardiopulmonary Resusciation (ECPR) in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsA prospective, binational survey of clinicians was conducted in May 2022.ResultsThere were 133 respondents; 110 (84%) worked at an Australian ECMO centre; 28 (21%) were emergency, 45 (34%) were intensive care, and 41 (31%) were nursing clinicians. All aspects of ECMO care were identified by respondents as being important for further research; however, appropriate patient selection and determining long-term outcomes were ranked the highest. While most believed ECMO was efficacious, they felt that there was insufficient evidence to determine cost-effectiveness. There was uncertainty of the best model of ECPR provision. Equipoise exists for randomised studies into anticoagulation, blood product usage, and ECPR.ConclusionsThis survey found strong support amongst clinicians for further research into the optimal use of ECMO and ECPR and provides a frame work for prioritising future clinical trials and research agendas.