Objective To systematically evaluate the life experience and needs of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and to provide a reference for improving the quality of life of the patients.Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Database, SinoMed were searched to collect qualitative studies on the life experience and needs of patients treated with ECMO from the inception of the database to March 2024. The quality of the literature was evaluated according to the JBI quality evaluation criteria for qualitative studies, and the results of the original studies were integrated using the Meta integration method. Results A total of 9 studies were included, 42 themes were extracted and grouped into 8 categories, and 3 synthesized findings were formed: ECMO therapy is life-changing but worth choosing; positive adjustment to reshape life; and the need to return to normal life.Conclusion ECMO therapy changes patients′ physical and mental states, and the social support network for the patients should be improved and targeted to provide continuity of rehabilitation medical services and care to assist their early return to normal life.