2024 Volume 44 Pages 177-187
Objective: This study aimed to identify and develop a structural model of the end of-life care provided by certified nurse specialists and certified nurses for patients with difficulty weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] and their families.
Methods: The study design employed a mixed research method with a double-phase exploratory design. A questionnaire survey comprising of 54 qualitatively selected items was conducted with 455 certified nurse specialists and certified nurses. The obtained data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Results: We derived a structural model of the end-of-life care for patients with difficulty weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and their families, consisting of five factors that culminate in [seek the peace of mind of the family], starting with [respecting and fulfilling the patient’s wishes in the imminent situation of ECMO circuit exchange], leading to [being with patients and their families accepting the imminent situation of difficult ECMO withdrawal], while being influenced by [ensuring the patient’s life by reflecting one’s practice concerning comfort and continuity of ECMO in a limited ICU environment] and [working as a multidisciplinary team specializing in ECMO for patient’s best interest and outcomes].
Conclusion: Expert nurses took care of the uncertain and imminent situation and were close by patients and families, providing care for the patient to live to the fullest in the ICU environment.
