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

Successful Completion

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

Accreditation

The 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

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.