Quality of life and problems experiencing patient applied extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after their discharge

The study was conducted to determine problems and quality of life in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following discharge using a mixed method convergent parallel design between 17 April – 10 November 2018. Study population consisted of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in two state hospitals, and had at least one month after discharge. Participants were recruited using criterion sampling, which is a non- probability purposive sampling method used to collect qualitative data, and sample size was based on data saturation. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics information form, the EQ-5D-5L quality of life scale, and a semi structured interview form. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation indication was mostly cardiogenic shock after post cardiotomy. The mean duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was 8.64±11.6 days. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 patients and transcribed for descriptive analysis, which revealed 2 contexts; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application process and post-discharge process and 8 themes and 17 sub-themes. In the pre-discharge period, participants mostly reported limitation of movement, pressure injury, bleeding, anxiety and fear, and in the post-discharge period, they mostly reported limitation of movement, dependence in self-care, pain and lifestyle changes. Participants also stated that they relied mostly on family support to cope with problems. Participants' mean score on the EQ-5D-5L Visual Analog Scale was 73.64±16.89. It is thought that the results of the study will contribute to the improvement of perioperative care process, planning of discharge training and development of home care process.Keywords: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, patient discharge, quality of life, nursing care Keywords: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, patient discharge, quality of life, nursing care