RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Estimation of Outcome and Quality of Life in ECMO Patients

Doctors often use a special machine called ECMO to help people with very serious heart or lung problems. They have to decide quickly if this treatment is right for each patient. This study wants to find out how accurate doctors' early predictions are about how well patients recover and their quality of life afterwards. Currently, there isn't much information about how patients feel and live after ECMO, beyond just surviving the hospital stay. This research will compare what healthcare providers think will happen with what truly does happen to patients. It aims to help us understand if we can improve how we predict the long-term effects of ECMO, making these crucial decisions better for patients and their families.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

What is this study about?

When someone has a very serious heart or lung problem, doctors might use a machine called ECMO. This machine takes over the work of the heart and/or lungs, giving the body a chance to heal. Deciding to start ECMO is often made very quickly in an emergency, with the main goal being to help the person survive right now. While many people survive, we don't always know much about their life and how they feel once they leave the hospital.

At the moment, doctors often rely on their experience and best guesses when predicting a patient's long-term recovery and quality of life after ECMO. This study aims to check how good these guesses are. The researchers want to compare what doctors predict about a patient's future with what actually happens to them, including their quality of life months or years later. This is important because while saving a life is key, understanding how that life will be lived afterwards is also very important for patients and their families.

By carefully looking at these predictions versus the actual outcomes, this study hopes to give us better information. This could help doctors make more informed decisions about ECMO treatment, not just focusing on immediate survival but also thinking about how the treatment will affect a patient's long-term health and wellbeing. Ultimately, this research wants to help improve the care and support for people who need ECMO.

Key takeaways

The study looks at doctors' predictions for ECMO patient recovery.
It aims to understand long-term quality of life after ECMO.
No new treatments or interventions are involved; it's observational.
Participation helps improve understanding for future patients.
Your medical care will not be affected by joining or leaving the study.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have started ECMO treatment within the last 24 hours. The research team also needs your written permission, or permission from someone who can make medical decisions for you if you're unable to.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you are under 18, if your ECMO treatment started more than 24 hours ago, or if you couldn't give your written permission. Also, if there's a language barrier and you can't communicate in German, the local language, or English, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you start ECMO treatment within the last 24 hours?
Can you provide written consent (or can someone make decisions for you)?
Can you communicate in German, the local language, or English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you wouldn't be asked to take any new medications or undergo new medical procedures. Instead, the study team would simply be observing and collecting information about your care and recovery as it naturally happens. They would compare the predictions made by your healthcare providers with your actual recovery and quality of life over time. The exact duration of follow-up isn't specified, but it would involve tracking your progress and understanding your quality of life after you leave the hospital. This likely includes filling out questionnaires or having discussions at various points.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical risks from participating in this study as it involves observing your care, not changing it. The main benefit is that your information could help doctors better understand and predict outcomes for future ECMO patients, potentially improving care for others. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Duesseldorf
Verified postcode
Düsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ECMO?

ECMO is a special machine that takes over the work of your heart and/or lungs when they are too sick to do their job properly, giving your body time to heal.

Why is this study being done?

This study wants to see how well doctors can predict what will happen to patients after ECMO, especially regarding their long-term health and quality of life.

Will I receive any new treatments in this study?

No, this study is observational. You won't receive any new medications or treatments. Your medical care will continue as normal.

What does 'quality of life' mean in this study?

It means how well you feel, your ability to do daily activities, and how you participate in social life after having ECMO treatment.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

René M'Pembele, MD

rene.mpembele@med.uni-duesseldorf.de 02118118451 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.