Study Reveals Disparities in Advanced Pulmonary Support Patient Selection.

Adults with severe respiratory illness who are women, have public insurance, and have fewer financial resources may be less likely to receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an advanced form of life support. A study found that men, people with private health insurance, and those from areas with higher median incomes were more likely to receive ECMO. The researchers found disparities even after controlling for access to ECMO, age, severity of illness, reasons for seeking care, regions where they sought care, and other health conditions.