Project Echo – Telementoring for Complex Health Conditions

http://projectechonevada.com/how-healthcare-providers-use-data-room-services/

Project echo is a telementoring model which connects primary care practitioners with inter-disciplinary teams of specialists. This method is designed to improve the care for patients with complex health issues, particularly in communities with low access to healthcare.

The ECHO model was created at the University of New Mexico in 2003, with a focus on treating hepatitis C patients in underserved populations and prisons. Since 2003, the ECHO model has been replicated in many areas of clinical practice, including asthma diabetes and chronic pain. The ECHO model is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as well as the GE Foundation, and the Leona M. and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust.

During ECHO sessions participants present case studies that have been identified and participate in group discussions with experts in the field via videoconferencing. In this “all-teach and learn” format, providers share experiences and knowledge to help answer questions, provide feedback, and make recommendations.

The ECHO model allows remote monitoring of patient outcomes. Specialists from the University of New Mexico follow each community provider’s treatment plans to ensure that their patients receive high-quality care. The specialists may make adjustments at mid-course if patients are not adhering to the prescribed therapy. This can prevent treatment failure and increases the chances of a positive outcome. Moreover, specialists can use the ECHO system to monitor data and find gaps in care. This information is then given to local physicians to enable them to better serve their patients.