Project echo is a telementoring system that connects primary care doctors with inter-disciplinary teams of specialists. This approach is intended to improve the care of patients with complex medical conditions, particularly in rural areas and those who are underserved.
The ECHO model was developed by the University of New Mexico in 2003 with a primary focus on treating the hepatitis C patients from populations that are underserved and prisons. The ECHO model is now being replicated around the world in a variety of clinical areas such as diabetes, asthma chronic pain, asthma and the field of rheumatology. The ECHO model is backed 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.
In ECHO sessions, participants present unidentified case you can try this out studies and participate in group discussion with experts in the field via videoconferencing. In this “all-teach learning, all-learn” style, instructors share knowledge and experience to answer questions, provide feedback and make recommendations.
The ECHO model also permits remote monitoring of patient outcomes. Specialists from the University of New Mexico monitor the plans of each community provider’s treatment to ensure their patients receive the highest quality of care. If a patient is unable to follow the prescribed treatment the doctors can suggest mid-course corrections. This helps to stop treatment failure and increases the likelihood of having a positive outcome. Specialists can also utilize the ECHO system to monitor data and identifying care gaps. The information is then transferred to local doctors to assist them in better serving their patients.