SCCM Resource Library-Ethical Framework for Decision-Making in ECMO

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker, an anesthesiologist, addresses the ethical challenges of using ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) in patient care. They emphasize the four pillars of medical ethics: beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice, highlighting how these principles can be troubled in ECMO situations. ECMO has increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it poses significant risks such as high mortality rates, severe complications, and extensive resource use. Decision-making often lacks patient autonomy, with choices placed on distressed proxies or the clinical team. The speaker discusses multidisciplinary approaches, including ethics and palliative care councils, to alleviate ethical distress and develop institutional guidelines. Two case studies illustrate the complexities involved, emphasizing shared decision-making to align treatment with patient values. The speaker concludes by encouraging anesthesiologists to foster teamwork and advocate for patient and team welfare in emerging medical technologies.

Asset Caption

Year in Review | Year in Review: Anesthesiology

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Year 2024

Keywords

ECMO

medical ethics

patient autonomy

multidisciplinary approach

COVID-19 pandemic

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