We are seeking experienced ECMO practitioners with five to seven years of clinical expertise to join our team as instructors. This role provides a unique opportunity to educate and mentor the next generation of ECMO professionals through high-quality, simulation-based training. Candidates must have substantial experience with simulation-based education and have completed formal debriefing training, enabling them to guide learners effectively through realistic ECMO scenarios. Successful applicants will possess exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills, along with advanced technical proficiency in ECMO procedures. In this role, instructors will facilitate engaging learning experiences, provide structured feedback, and help learners develop both technical and non-technical skills essential for safe and effective ECMO practice. This position allows educators to contribute to course development, enhance training programs, and directly impact patient care through the cultivation of skilled ECMO teams. Adding Tammy so she knows I am getting this added to dashboard to see if this helps with tracking interest.

Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the essential components required to evaluate a practitioner’s knowledge, skills, and abilities for the effective and safe management of ECMO, ensuring proficiency in both routine and high-risk situations. The Position Paper on Global Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Education highlights the necessity of a structured educational framework to enhance training outcomes and reduce variability in practice. By implementing standardized curricula and assessment methods, we can better equip practitioners to manage complex ECMO systems, lead multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality patient care. Additionally, this initiative will foster collaboration across programs and address the growing nationwide demand for skilled ECMO professionals. The E-AEC (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization – Adult ECMO Certification) process aligns with these goals by establishing a structured pathway to ensure practitioners possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe and effective ECMO management. This multi-step process includes foundational education, clinical experience, and assessments designed to validate proficiency. Step 1 focuses on foundational knowledge through coursework and training modules, while Step 2 evaluates hands-on skills and clinical competence via simulation and bedside training. However, Step 3, which aims to validate comprehensive expertise for independent ECMO management, faces significant challenges due to the lack of validated data to support its criteria and assessment methodology. This gap raises concerns about consistency and reliability in evaluating practitioners’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world, high-stakes scenarios. To address these challenges, further research and the development of standardized assessment tools are essential. Establishing validated benchmarks for Step 3 is critical to ensuring the E-AEC process consistently identifies competent practitioners, builds confidence in ECMO training programs, and ultimately improves patient care outcomes.

Over the past 15 years, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has seen a significant rise. Despite technological advancements, experience gained during the recent Covid-19 pandemic, and positive results from recent trials, managing patients requiring ECMO support remains technically challenging, leading to variability in complications and outcomes globally. To address this, ELSO has advocated for specialized education and certification standards for ECMO practitioners. However, despite these efforts, ECMO education and certification remain inconsistent and limited. Standardizing education in ECMO application and patient management is essential for improving clinical outcomes. The research study is dedicated to validating an assessment tool tailored for the evaluation of technical, behavioral, and cognitive skills essential for ECMO practitioners. Through this evaluation, the study intends to determine the tool's reliability and validity as a means of assessing the clinical competence of ECMO practitioners. This comparative analysis is crucial for establishing the tool's utility and credibility in enhancing the evaluation process within ECMO practice. This research represents a significant step towards enhancing the evaluation process for ECMO practitioners, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes in ECMO settings. Human subjects will be deidentified. The performance of the validation tool will be the focus of the study versus individual skill demonstration.

The aim of this course is to develop instructors with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach ECMO practitioners. This course ensures a consistent and high-quality education, leading to standardized practices across different institutions and regions. Well-trained practitioners will be more adept at managing ECMO procedures and complications, resulting in better patient outcomes and reduced morbidity and mortality. As ECMO technology evolves, this course helps instructors stay current with the latest advancements and best practices. By emphasizing simulation and debriefing techniques, the course enhances practical skills and critical thinking, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios. Encouraging continuous learning and development fosters a culture of excellence in healthcare. With the global increase in ECMO usage, universally accepted training standards minimize variability in ECMO practice and ensure high-quality care worldwide. Structured training programs help practitioners meet certification and accreditation requirements, such as those offered by ELSO, enhancing their professional credentials and career development. Since ECMO management often requires a multidisciplinary team, training programs that include various healthcare professionals promote better teamwork and collaboration. Regular training ensures adherence to established guidelines and protocols, contributing to overall quality assurance and regulatory compliance of ECMO programs. Finally, proper training helps identify and mitigate potential risks associated with ECMO procedures, reducing the likelihood of errors and adverse events.