Project Echo – Telementoring for Complex Health Conditions

Project echo is a telementoring model that connects primary care clinicians with multidisciplinary teams of specialists. This model is designed to enhance care for patients suffering from complex health conditions, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The ECHO model was developed by the University of New Mexico in 2003 with a primary focus on treating the hepatitis C patients in underserved populations and prisons. The ECHO model is now being replicated around the world in a variety of areas of clinical practice such as diabetes, asthma, chronic pain and Rheumatology. The ECHO model is backed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the GE Foundation, and the Leona M. and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust.

During ECHO sessions participants present cases that have been identified and participate in discussions with content experts via videoconferencing technology. In this “all teach all learn” format, providers are able to share their expertise and experience with other experts to help them answer questions, give feedback and make clinical recommendations.

The ECHO model also permits remote monitoring of patient outcomes. Specialists from the University of New Mexico follow the treatment plans of each community provider to ensure that their patients receive high-quality care. Specialists may make adjustments at mid-course if a patient does not adhere to the prescribed therapy. This helps reduce the risk of failure in treatment and increases the likelihood of an outcome that is positive. Specialists can also make use of the ECHO system for tracking data and identifying areas of care that are not being met. This information is then relayed back to local physicians, enabling them to better assist their patients.

http://www.projectechonevada.com/echo-health-ventures