A Shared, Practical, Interactive Curriculum for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (SPICE): Time to SPICE It Up!

Introduction Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a complex but infrequently used technology that plays a crucial role for patients experiencing cardiopulmonary failure. Formal ECMO education remains inconsistent, with considerable variability in structure and availability. We aimed to implement a shared, practical, and interactive curriculum on ECMO or "SPICE" across multiple institutions. Methods Educators collaborated across four different institutions developing an ECMO curriculum that consisted of 15 educational sessions including 10 simulated ECMO emergencies. Three institutions deployed the curriculum over an academic year and a fourth served as a control site. Feasibility was assessed with the percentage of curriculum completed at each site. Effectiveness was assessed by qualitative analysis of fellow response to learning as well as pre- and post- test knowledge assessment and learner confidence. Results The curriculum was successfully executed at all three sites, making it a feasible curriculum for any training program that has a simulation center and access to ECMO equipment. Fellows answered an average of 68% (± 10%) correct on medical knowledge assessment pre-curriculum and 64% (± 5%) post-curriculum, which was not statistically different. Average confidence in answers was greater in the SPICE post-curriculum survey versus the control group (2.2±0.2 vs.1.8±0.3, p=0.03). Themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis showed that learners benefited in six domains including self-confidence, knowledge, resources, decision-making, skill practice, and communication. Conclusions SPICE is a novel, standardized, and feasible way to teach ECMO skills and increase trainee confidence through hands-on learning.