The Invisible Face of ECMO: Anxiety Levels and Challenges Among Intensive Care Nurses

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technology that provides temporary life support to critically ill patients with heart and/or lung failure. However, the complexity of the care involved presents significant challenges for nurses. This study was conducted to determine the difficulties and anxiety levels experienced by nurses caring for patients undergoing ECMO support. Methods This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional research. It was conducted in Turkey. In this study included 137 nurses working in third level intensive care units and caring for patients with ECMO support. Anxiety levels of nurses caring for ECMO patients were examined with the ‘State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)’. Results The mean state anxiety score of nurses was found to be 44.82 ± 10.89, while the mean trait anxiety score was 43.66 ± 8.58. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the duration of ECMO patient care and both state and trait anxiety scores (p < 0.05). Nurses perceived ECMO patients as complex, experienced a high rate of complications, and consequently reported anxiety in patient care. Additionally, they faced various challenges in the care of ECMO patients, including the risk of COVID-19 transmission, increased workload, organizational issues among team members, and the risk of bleeding at the cannulation site. Conclusions The development of standardized protocols for the treatment and care of patients receiving ECMO plays a role in improving care quality. In addition, implementing regular training programs for nurses may help reduce the challenges and anxiety they experience. Involving experienced nurses in ECMO care may further help alleviate these difficulties.