ObjectiveTo assess Brazilian pediatric intensivists’ general knowledge of
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including evidence for its use, the
national funding model, indications, and complications.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional survey including 45 Brazilian
pediatric intensive care units. A convenience sample of 654 intensivists was
surveyed regarding their knowledge on managing patients on extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation, its indications, complications, funding, and
literature evidence.ResultsThe survey addressed questions regarding the knowledge and experience of
pediatric intensivists with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including
two clinical cases and 6 optional questions about the management of patients
on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Of the 45 invited centers, 42 (91%)
participated in the study, and 412 of 654 (63%) pediatric intensivists
responded to the survey. Most pediatric intensive care units were from the
Southeast region of Brazil (59.5%), and private/for-profit hospitals
represented 28.6% of the participating centers. The average age of
respondents was 41.4 (standard deviation 9.1) years, and the majority (77%)
were women. Only 12.4% of respondents had taken an extracorporeal membrane
oxygenation course. Only 19% of surveyed hospitals have an extracorporeal
membrane oxygenation program, and only 27% of intensivists reported having
already managed patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Specific
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management questions were responded to
by only 64 physicians (15.5%), who had a fair/good correct response rate
(median 63.4%; range 32.8% to 91.9%).ConclusionMost Brazilian pediatric intensivists demonstrated limited knowledge
regarding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, including its indications and
complications. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is not yet widely
available in Brazil, with few intensivists prepared to manage patients on
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and even fewer intensivists recognizing
when to refer patients to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers.