To develop and validate a scale to measure nursing activities in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to examine its underlying factor structure.

A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted among Dutch intensive care unit (ICU) nurses involved in ECMO care. A questionnaire was developed based on the existing and validated Nursing Activities in the Care of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-Supported Patients Scale, and supplemented with ECMO-specific activities identified through a scoping review and expert input. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to examine the factor structure. Sampling adequacy was assessed using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure and Bartlett’s test of sphericity. Factor retention was based on Eigenvalues >1, scree plot inspection, parallel analysis, and theoretical interpretability. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α.

Out of 866 invited ICU nurses, 486 responded (56.1%); 70.0% were female, with a median age of 38 years [IQR 33–51]. After item reduction and exploratory factor analysis, 31 items were retained. Based on scree plot inspection and parallel analysis, a five-factor structure was identified, explaining 47.8% of the total variance. The final 31-item scale comprised five factors: (1) ECMO-related complications and emergency management (8 items; α = 0.95), (2) ECMO system management and technical skills (11 items; α = 0.83), (3) hemodynamic and pharmacological management (5 items; α = 0.76), (4) transport and procedural support (2 items; α = 0.79), and (5) fundamental nursing care and respiratory management (5 items; α = 0.71). The overall scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.89).

A Dutch ECMO Nursing Activities Scale was developed, demonstrating a clear five-factor structure and good internal consistency.