Resources for Educators

ECMO Specialists are a vital component of any successful ECMO program. The care is complex and potential for complications high, making it necessary to build a strong team. A solid foundation in fundamental and advanced elements of ECLS along with a clear vision and organizational direction will help the program succeed.

A unit or hospital educator may have various roles in supporting ECMO Specialists and the ECMO Coordinator, along with other members of the care team. 

A few fundamental ways that an Educator can assist in creating an excellent ECMO team and program include:

• Facilitating and coordinating collaborative conversations with the ECMO program director, involved managers and specialists to find out the needs of the team.

• Coordinate education sessions that meet guidelines for ECMO Specialists. Medical centers that employ an ECMO Coordinator may not need you to organize this aspect, but it is advantageous to assist in this process.

• Collaborate with others who have significant and substantial experience with ECMO to find out how they can contribute to the education program and ongoing competency of the team.

• Register and apply for accredited CE / CME’s for ECMO education delivered.

• Assist with course evaluation, pre and post-assessment tools for all ECMO education delivered. Keep up to date records of assessments and feedback to improve the program as a whole and enhance the learning / competency of team members.

• Facilitate ECMO Specialist annual competency check offs, quarterly education segments and wet labs that meet ELSO guidelines.

• Enhance your ECMO program by organizing education sessions with ECMO Resource as well as with other ELSO Centers of Excellence.