Designing and Building Optimised ECMO ICU Room: A Roadmap to Standardization and Innovation

Designing and Building Optimised ECMO ICU Room

ECMO Room


Introduction & Consent

As extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is increasingly utilized for patients with refractory severe cardiac and respiratory failure, the demand for standardized, safe, and efficient ECMO care environments is more pressing than ever. Given the complexity and high-risk nature of ECMO, the physical space, infrastructure, and staff readiness play a crucial role in patient outcomes.

This survey evaluates current practices in ECMO bedspace design, allocation, and environmental setup in intensive care units (ICUs). We define the bed space as the area around the bed (see the picture below). The objective of the survey is to identify bedspace design features that can be optimised, gather insights on existing models, and support the development of evidence-based guidelines for ECMO-specific ICU bedspace design and patient allocation.

We value your input as experienced ECMO practitioners and appreciate your contribution toward advancing quality care in ECMO management. We would appreciate your expertise and time in completing the brief questions below regarding the ICU and ECMO bedspaces at your facility and your thoughts on how the optimal ECMO bedspace could look and function. The information you provide will help optimise ECMO bedspace designs globally.

This study is approved by IRB number 25-363 of King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) Research Center (Approval Number Federal Wide Assurance NIH′ USA: FVVA00018774).

It is conducted by an international ECMO investigator group consisting of the following members:

SURVEY AUTHORS LIST: Dr. Nada Aljassim, Dr. Salman Abdul Aziz, Prof. John Fraser, Mr. Oystein Tronstad, Prof. Danial Brodie, Dr. Huda Alfodari, Dr. Mohamed Alreshaidan, Dr. Ibrahim Hasan, Dr. Wael Qassem, Ms. Elizabeth Moore, Ms. Hanan Alanezi and Mr. Salman Butt.

Who can participate in this study?

Healthcare professionals, actively involved with managing patients on ECMO in an ICU, and healthcare administrators, responsible for ICU design and building structure.

How much time will the survey take?

The study will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.

Where will data be stored?

By consenting to participate, you consent to the research team collecting information from you for the research study. Data will be collected and stored on password-protected computers.

What if I want to withdraw?

Participation is voluntary. Participants are under no obligation to consent to complete the survey. You can withdraw at any time before submitting your completed survey. Once you have submitted your survey anonymously, your responses cannot be withdrawn.

How do I obtain further information about this study?

If you would like to know more information regarding this study or if you have any problems related to your involvement, please contact:

Contact Details: Dr. Nada Aljassim

Email: aljassim.nada4@gmail.com

Participant consent:

I have read the above information about the nature and scope of this survey. I agree that by submitting the survey I give my consent for the results to be used in the research. I am aware that this survey is anonymous, and no personal details are being collected or used. I know that I may change my mind and withdraw my consent at any time before submitting my responses and stop participating at any time; and I acknowledge that any responses I submit cannot be able to be withdrawn.
1.Participant Consent(Required.)
Section A: Demographics and Background
2.What is your professional role?(Required.)
3.What type of hospital are you working in?(Required.)
4.In which region is your hospital located?(Required.)
5.How old is the primary ICU that you work in?(Required.)
6.Is there availability of cardiac surgery services in your hospital?(Required.)
7.For how many years has your facility provided ECMO therapy?(Required.)
8.Approximately how many are ALL ECMO cases (adult, pediatrics & neonates/ cardiac & respiratory ECMO) are managed at your hospital per year?(Required.)
9.What age groups do you primarily manage on ECMO at your facility?(Required.)