While several studies have summarised the clinical effectiveness evidence for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), there are no evidence syntheses of the impact of centres’ ECMO patient volume on patient outcomes or the impact of bedside ECMO care being delivered by either a perfusionist or a nurse. There is also limited information on the cost-effectiveness of ECMO.

This review was carried out to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost of different service delivery models of pulmonary ECMO to inform NHS Wales commissioning policy.

The study utilised rapid review methodology, consisting of a systematic literature search and the inclusion of the highest quality of evidence available.

Out of 1997 records identified via literature searches, 12 studies fell within the scope. The 2 meta-analyses comparing ECMO with lung-protective ventilation favoured ECMO.

Five studies looking at the clinical impact of centre patient volume had large heterogeneity. Three studies estimated that with sufficient patient volume, nurse-delivered ECMO was cost-saving, with thresholds varying between 92 and 155 patient days per year. Three studies looked at the cost impact of ECMO delivery, with ECMO being cost incurring, but potentially cost-effective, with costs per patient being lower at higher volume centres.

The available evidence supports the use of ECMO in adult respiratory failure patients, despite it being cost-incurring. ECMO can be nurse-delivered without a significant negative impact on patient care. Yet decision-makers need to consider their local circumstances when making commissioning decisions.