Project Echo – Telementoring for Complex Health Conditions
Project echo is a form of telementoring that connects primary-care practitioners with multi-disciplinary teams. This model is designed to enhance the care provided to patients with complicated conditions, particularly in rural areas and those who are underserved.
The ECHO model, first developed in 2003 by the University of New Mexico, concentrates on treating the hepatitis C in prisons and communities that are not served. Since it was developed the ECHO model has been replicated across a variety of clinical areas including asthma, chronic pain and diabetes. The ECHO model has been supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as well as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as well as the GE Foundation and the Leona M. and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust.
During ECHO sessions, participants present de-identified http://www.projectechonevada.com/the-importance-of-data-room-provider cases and participate in group discussions with the experts in the field via videoconferencing technology. In this “all teach and all learn” format, participants share their expertise and knowledge with others in order to help answer questions, provide feedback, and provide clinical recommendations.
The ECHO model allows remote monitoring of patient outcomes remotely. Specialists from the University of New Mexico follow each community provider’s treatment plans to ensure that their patients receive high-quality care. If a patient fails to adhere to the prescribed treatment experts can suggest mid-course corrections. This can help avoid treatment failure and improves the likelihood of a successful outcome. Specialists can also use the ECHO system to track their data and identifying areas of care that are not being met. This information is given to local physicians to enable them to better serve their patients.