Project Echo – Telementoring for Complex Health Conditions

Project echo is a form of telementoring that connects primary-care practitioners with multi-disciplinary teams. This approach is designed to improve care for patients with complex health conditions, especially in communities with low access to healthcare.

The ECHO model, developed in 2003 by the University of New Mexico, concentrates on treating the hepatitis C in prisons and in underserved populations. Since 2003 the ECHO model has been replicated in numerous clinical areas, including asthma, chronic pain and diabetes. 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 cases that have been identified and engage in group discussions with the experts in the field using videoconferencing technology. In http://www.projectechonevada.com/echo-health-ventures this “all teach and all learn” format, experts share their knowledge and experience with other experts to help them answer questions, give feedback, and make clinical recommendations.

The ECHO model also allows remote monitoring of patient outcomes. Specialists from the University of New Mexico monitor the plans of each community-based provider’s treatment to ensure that their patients receive the highest quality of care. The specialists can make adjustments mid-course if patients are not adhering to the prescribed therapy. This can prevent treatment failure and improves the likelihood of a successful outcome. Specialists can also utilize the ECHO system to monitor data and identifying gaps in care. The information is then shared with local healthcare professionals to enable them to better serve their patients.