PEPSI

Our research explores the psychological toll of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on parents, with the goal of identifying modifiable risk factors to improve outcomes. Through the Post-ECMO Parental Stress Investigation (PEPSI) research program, he is addressing the critical gaps in understanding PTSD, anxiety, and depression in this population. The first study, a systematic review and meta-analysis, evaluated the prevalence of parental psychopathologies and identifies potential risk factors. This work served as the foundation for future studies. The second study involves qualitative interviews with parents, including those who experienced the loss of a child, to explore communication during ECMO, access to resources, and decision-making regret. Additionally, we are spearheading a global point-prevalence study across 40 ECMO centers to survey over 800 parents on symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These efforts will lay the groundwork for future NIH-funded studies, including a large observational study to follow parents during and after ECMO, and a step-wedged cluster randomized trial designed to test interventions aimed at reducing parental psychopathologies and improving long-term outcomes.