Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation credentialing: where do we stand?

BACKGROUND: No guidelines exist for credentialing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) physicians despite variable training backgrounds. We aim to identify national patterns of institutional credentialing for ECMO physicians.

METHODS: Program directors from 173 US ECMO centers were surveyed regarding credentialing, recertification, training elements, and barriers.

RESULTS: Response rate was 42% (73/173). ECMO credentialing for physicians was required in 66% of responding ECMO centers. Only 57% reported an established institutional ECMO credentialing program. Yearly recertification was required in 16%. Common elements included didactic courses (90%), simulation (73%), and proctored cases (68%). Lack of standardization for credentialing (36%) and too little time (36%) were major barriers to program establishment. No differences were found between small- and large-volume centers with respect to credentialing or recertification.

CONCLUSIONS: Not all physicians managing ECMO are credentialed and only about half of US centers have established credentialing programs. Standardization of ECMO credentialing may increase training rates and improve variability in credentialing practices across the United States.