Ethics in ECMO Therapy: Rising Together to Demystify Challenges

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

As ECMO programs continue to grow in number and capacity, it is imperative for nurses to have the tools to address the myriad of ethical challenges. Building on case scenarios from a high-volume center, we review questions around perceived futility, costs of care, quality of life, withdrawal of technology and moral distress. Attendees participate in walking through addressing challenges using an established ethical framework. Polling is used to test current knowledge.

Objectives

Summarize recent literature on ethical considerations in patients receiving ECMO therapy.
Discuss case scenarios and provide ethically supportable recommendations for addressing ethical challenges of patients on ECMO therapy.
Describe an ethical framework nurses can use to guide ethical considerations and analysis during challenging situations (eg, end of life).

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.