Development of an ECMO transfer protocol for critically injured patients based on scoping review and Delphi method

Qi Junsheng; Jiang Qiao; Shu Qin; Yin Changlin; Liu Juan; Zhang Yan; Cao Ying

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1009-4237.2025.02.004

Abstract：Objective To develop a protocol for the transport of critically injured patients receiving extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO),serving as a reference for ECMO transport in such patients.Methods A scoping review was conducted per evidence-based practice by searching ProVation MD,BMJ Best Practice,UpTo-Date,British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence,Guidelines International Network,National Guideline Clearinghouse,WHO,Embase,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,Chinese Biomedical Database,VIP Database,Wanfang Database,and Yimaitong,to develop a preliminary draft on ECMO transportation plan for critically injured patients.Following two rounds of Delphi expert consultation,18 experts were convened in groups to develop the final draft of the ECMO transportation plan for critically injured patients.Results Sixteen articles were included,consisting of seven primary items such as division of labor and precautions,twenty secondary items,and sixty-seven tertiary items.Two rounds of inquiry were carried out and the recovery rate was 94.4%,with the expert reliability coefficients being 0.94.The Kendall coordination coefficients of expert opinions were 0.310 and 0.489,respectively(both P<0.01).Conclusion This study employs a scope review and the Delphi method to develop an ECMO transport protocol for critically injured patients,encompassing common modes,equipment carriers,division of labor,preparatory tasks,monitoring,precautions,and handover verification as the primary themes of ECMO transport for this patient demographic.It possesses significant targeting and clinical application value for critically injured pa-tients and can serve as a reference for ECMO transport in such cases.