Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Nursing
ECMO is used to support the cardiac and/or pulmonary functions of critically ill patients with cardiopulmonary failure. ECMO can potentially facilitate organ recovery or replacement.
The National University Hospital (NUH) initiated the ECMO programme in 2004. In 2011, we became the first hospital in Singapore to join as a member of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation (ELSO), an international non-profit consortium of healthcare institutions, researchers and industry partners.
Regular ECMO training workshops are conducted to train nurses in the Cardiothoracic and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. These workshops include hands-on sessions, focusing on the technical knowledge and skills essential for bedside management of ECMO patients. The workshop held at NUH is among the ELSO-accredited training workshops in Asia. NUH nurses undergo annual re-credentialing, involving hands-on retraining, followed by a practical examination/assessment. Currently, over 60% of NUH nurses are trained in ECMO.
A Nursing representative from NUH serves on the National ECMO Standing Committee, established by the Ministry of Health. The role involves overseeing and making recommendations regarding ECMO practices in Singapore.
