scholarly journals Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs' Participation in the Nursing Home COVID Action Network

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 493-493
Author(s):  
Leland Waters ◽  
Nina Tumosa
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Healthcare Research ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Action Network ◽  
The University

Abstract In late September, 2020, the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program’s (GWEP) Program Officer, at the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), alerted the 48 GWEPs about a nationwide initiative focusing specifically on the pandemic’s effect in nursing facilities. The ECHO Institute at the University of New Mexico negotiated a national contract with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide a nationwide educational intervention via the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. The ECHO Institute recruited over 100 Training Centers as educational coordinators for the Project ECHO Nursing Home National COVID Action Network. Our Project Officer suggested that individual GWEPs participate in this effort and take the lead or provide geriatric educators for these Training Centers. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an innovative telementoring program that creates virtual learning communities, bringing together healthcare providers and subject matter experts using videoconference technology for brief presentations, and case-based learning, fostering an “all learn, all teach” approach. This symposium will describe the journeys that five GWEPs experienced becoming Training Centers, rapidly deploying a nursing home ECHO project, to support nursing home staff on best practices for protecting patients, staff, and visitors from coronavirus infection and spread. GWEPs from The University of Louisville, the University of North Carolina, the University of North Texas, the University of Rochester and The Virginia Geriatric Education Center’s two ECHO Hubs, joined the National COVID Action Network. This presentation will provide an overview of why GWEPs are well positioned to address emergent needs with short notice.

scholarly journals Exploring learners’ perspectives of a Project ECHO palliative care education curriculum in resource-limited settings in light of key learning theories

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Doherty ◽  
Shokoufeh Modanloo ◽  
Emily Evans ◽  
Dennis Newhook ◽  
Doug Archibald
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Sociocultural Factors ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo

Abstract Background: Project ECHO (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a well-established telehealth educational platform developed to improve access to specialist care training in underserved areas. The objective of this study is to explore the learning experiences of participants in a Project ECHO targeting care providers in India and explore considerations for how ECHO programs could be modified to cater to the unique learning needs of individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Methods : We implemented a one-year Project ECHO on pediatric palliative care (ECHO PPC) targeting healthcare providers in India. The program consisted of 24 bi-weekly sessions (March 2018-February 2019) hosted by the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care in Hyderabad, India. Learners who attended at least 20% (5 sessions) were eligible to participate. Data related to demographic characteristics of ECHO PPC participants were collected. Four focus groups were conducted (February-April 2019) either online via videoconference or in person. Focus groups recordings were transcribed, coded and independently verified. The codes were then arranged into overarching themes.Results : Thirty-six learners were eligible and invited to participate in the study. Seventeen individuals completed the study. Following coding and analysis, two major themes and seven sub-themes were identified. The themes included: (1) Benefits of participation in ECHO PPC (creation of a community of practice; opportunity to exchange cultures, ideas and experiences; supportive role of the facilitator and peers; increased relevant knowledge and skills; and access to additional learning resources) and (2) Barriers to participation (difficulties with time and practice schedule management and language and sociocultural factors). Conclusion: The key principals of learning theories were incorporated into forming the Project ECHO conceptual model in this study. PPC Project ECHO facilitated community building, stimulated professional interest and additional learning outside of the program. However, addressing the barriers and challenges might likely enhance the success of the program in future.

scholarly journals Feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of Project ECHO to expand capacity for pediatricians in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Hong Nhung ◽  
Vu Duy Kien ◽  
Nguyen Phuong Lan ◽  
Pham Viet Cuong ◽  
Pham Quoc Thanh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Continuing Medical Education ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Hub And Spoke ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background The Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model is considered a platform for academic medical centers to expand their healthcare workforce capacity to medically underserved populations. It has been known as an effective solution of continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare workers that used a hub-and-spoke model to leverage knowledge from specialists to primary healthcare providers in different regions. In this study, we aim to explore the views of healthcare providers and hospital leaders regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of Project ECHO for pediatricians. Methods This qualitative study was conducted at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and its satellite hospitals from July to December 2020. We conducted 39 in-depth interviews with hospital managers and healthcare providers who participated in online Project ECHO courses. A thematic analysis approach was performed to extract the qualitative data from in-depth interviews. Results Project ECHO shows high feasibility when healthcare providers find motivated to improve their professional knowledge. Besides, they realized the advantages of saving time and money with online training. Although the courses had been covered fully by the Ministry of Health’s fund, the participants said they could pay fees or be supported by the hospital’s fund. In particular, the expectation of attaining the CME-credited certificates after completing the course also contributes to the sustainability of the program. Project ECHO’s online courses should be improved if the session was better monitored with suitable time arrangements. Conclusions Project ECHO model is highly feasible, acceptable, and sustainable as it brings great benefits to the healthcare providers, and is appropriate with the policy theme of continuing medical education of the Ministry of Health. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of the ECHO program, especially for patient and community outcomes.

scholarly journals Project ECHO-Age Friendly Community Care: Applying the ECHO® Model with Area Agency on Aging Staff

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1023-1024
Author(s):  
Katherine Bennett ◽  
Mary Pat O'Leary ◽  
Elizabeth Phelan
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Community Care ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Community Initiatives ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
University Of New Mexico ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
The University ◽  
Improve Access

Abstract The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO®) model originated at the University of New Mexico to improve access to specialty care in underserved communities via telehealth and has spread worldwide. It has been utilized to improve geriatrics care with interprofessional participants but not specifically to train community case managers in Age-Friendly care and community initiatives. This is a program evaluation of an ECHO developed exclusively for Area Agency on Aging (AAA) case managers via a community-campus partnership. Twenty-eight AAA staff (including 15 case managers) participated in a 6-session series (March through April 2021) focused on the 4Ms of Age-Friendly care (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility). Each one-hour session included a mini-didactic and at least one case presented by participants utilizing a novel age-friendly case form. Participants completed pre and post surveys to assess self-efficacy in applying Age-Friendly principles on 5-point scales. Surveys were anonymous and analyzed comparing pre-post using Mann-Whitney U tests. Of the 28 participants, 86% completed pre and 65% post-surveys. Self-efficacy for providing Age-Friendly care improved from 2.58 pre to 4.5 post (p<0.001) and for providing recommendations to colleagues on Age-Friendly care from 3.4 pre- to 4.5 post (p<0.001). Participants showed significantly increased self-efficacy (p<0.05) pre vs. post on 14/15 Age-Friendly care items. One hundred percent would recommend this ECHO program to a colleague. This pilot utilizing Project ECHO with AAA staff increased their self-efficacy for providing Age-Friendly care and suggests this may be an effective tool to bridge the Age-Friendly Health Systems and Age-Friendly Community initiatives.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned in Executing the Nursing Home COVID Action Network

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 493-494
Author(s):  
Samantha Cotton ◽  
Pamela Yankeelov ◽  
Barbara Gordon ◽  
Anna Faul
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Small Group Discussions ◽  
University Of Louisville ◽  
Action Network ◽  
The University ◽  
Opinion Polls

Abstract The University of Louisville ECHO Hub for the Nursing Home COVID Action Network put together a hub of experts that could effectively address the diverse needs of the 240 nursing homes in the 7 cohorts launched. We included an infectious disease expert, a geriatrician, and a behavioral health specialist who adjusted the curriculum to be more in line with the needs of the nursing homes. Our nursing homes were diverse in terms of geography, size and location. We created space for our cohorts to feel comfortable with each other, despite their differences. To foster this sense of togetherness, our facilitators used anonymous opinion polls and incorporated the use of virtual breakout rooms to encourage small group discussions. These strategies assisted in developing a sense of community within the Project ECHO sessions, that will continue to evolve in the post COVID world.

scholarly journals A Protocol for a Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework With a Compendium of Tools to Assess Quality of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Implementation Using Mixed Methods, Developmental Evaluation Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita Ghosh ◽  
Brenna M. Roth ◽  
Irene Massawe ◽  
Emmanuel Mtete ◽  
Jacob Lusekelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Developmental Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Design ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo

Introduction: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), supports a third of all people receiving HIV care globally. CDC works with local partners to improve methods to find, treat, and prevent HIV and tuberculosis. However, a shortage of trained medical professionals has impeded efforts to control the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHOTM) model expands capacity to manage complex diseases, share knowledge, disseminate best practices, and build communities of practice. This manuscript describes a practical protocol for an evaluation framework and toolkit to assess ECHO implementation.Methods and Analysis: This mixed methods, developmental evaluation design uses an appreciative inquiry approach, and includes a survey, focus group discussion, semi-structured key informant interviews, and readiness assessments. In addition, ECHO session content will be objectively reviewed for accuracy, content validity, delivery, appropriateness, and consistency with current guidelines. Finally, we offer a mechanism to triangulate data sources to assess acceptability and feasibility of the evaluation framework and compendium of monitoring and evaluation tools.Expected impact of the study on public health: This protocol offers a unique approach to engage diverse group of stakeholders using an appreciative inquiry process to co-create a comprehensive evaluation framework and a compendium of assessment tools. This evaluation framework utilizes mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative data collection tools), was pilot tested in Tanzania, and has the potential for contextualized use in other countries who plan to evaluate their Project ECHO implementation.

Project ECHO: telementoring to educate and support prescribing of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis by community medical providers

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian R. Wood ◽  
Maren S. Mann ◽  
Natalia Martinez-Paz ◽  
Kenton T. Unruh ◽  
Mary Annese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Medical Providers ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Practitioner Knowledge ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Community Practitioner

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective tool to prevent HIV infection for at-risk individuals, but access requires medical providers to be aware of and comfortable with prescribing PrEP. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) was started to support hepatitis C virus treatment in rural New Mexico, but has since expanded to train health practitioners to treat other medical conditions in other locations. Methods: In 2012, a Project ECHO telehealth program was launched to mentor community HIV practitioners in our region. In July 2015, quarterly PrEP didactics and monthly PrEP case discussions were incorporated into this program. The result was a pilot PrEP telementoring intervention. An initial nine-question survey assessed baseline community practitioner knowledge and attitudes towards PrEP, and a follow-up 16-item survey 2 years later assessed the effect of Project ECHO on PrEP knowledge, concerns and prescribing practices. Results: Twenty-four and 45 medical providers completed the baseline and follow-up surveys respectively. In follow-up, providers reported that Project ECHO participation helped them stay current on PrEP guidelines, improved knowledge, increased likelihood to prescribe PrEP and addressed most concerns about prescribing PrEP. One exception was continued concerns about cost and insurance access, which were addressed by adjusting the didactic curriculum. Many participants reported that the Project ECHO pilot PrEP telementoring intervention assisted them in disseminating PrEP knowledge to other medical providers in their region. Conclusions: It is feasible to incorporate PrEP training into Project ECHO distance telementoring programs as a tool to educate community practitioners and support PrEP prescribing.

Supporting and improving community health services—a prospective evaluation of ECHO technology in community palliative care nursing teams

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare White ◽  
Sonja McIlfatrick ◽  
Lynn Dunwoody ◽  
Max Watson
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Care Nursing

IntroductionProject ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses teleconferencing technology to support and train healthcare providers (HCPs) remotely, and has improved care across the USA. A 6-month pilot was trialled in a community palliative care nursing setting to determine if ECHO would be effective in the UK in providing education and support to community hospice nurses (CHN).MethodsThe pilot involved weekly 2 hour sessions of teaching and case-based discussions facilitated by hospice staff linking with nine teams of CHN using video conferencing technology. A mixed-methods prospective longitudinal cohort study was used to evaluate the pilot. Each CHN provided demographic data, and completed a written knowledge assessment and a self-efficacy tool before and after the pilot. Two focus groups were also performed after the pilot.Results28 CHNs completed the evaluation. Mean knowledge score improved significantly from 71.3% to 82.7% (p=0.0005) as did overall self-efficacy scores following the ECHO pilot. Pre-ECHO (p=0.036) and Retro-Pretest ECHO (p=0.0005) self-efficacy were significantly lower than post-ECHO. There was no significant difference between Pretest and Retro-Pretest ECHO self-efficacy (p=0.063). 96% recorded gains in learning, and 90% felt that ECHO had improved the care they provided for patients. 83% would recommend ECHO to other HCPs. 70% stated the technology used in ECHO had given them access to education that would have been hard to access due to geography.ConclusionsThis study supports the use of Project ECHO for CHNs in the UK by demonstrating how a 6-month pilot improved knowledge and self-efficacy. As a low-cost high-impact model, ECHO provides an affordable solution to addressing growing need.

Distance Delivery of Function-Based Skill Training for Providers in Rural Settings

2021 ◽  
pp. 875687052110423
Author(s):  
Abby Hodges ◽  
Jaclyn D. Joseph ◽  
Phillip S. Strain
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Challenging Behavior ◽  
Skill Training ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Small Communities ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Behavioral Services

Children with diagnosed disabilities, teachers and classroom staff, and families living in rural areas have difficulty accessing any and all behavioral services, including parent training, due to a lack of providers, distance to clinics, cost of transportation, low income and/or inadequate health insurance, and confidentiality concerns from living in small communities. In this study, Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) was used to train early childhood professionals on how to implement Prevent–Teach–Reinforce for Young Children, which is a step-by-step manualized approach to the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior that reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice. Results of the pilot study, study limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Building Capacity to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Colleran ◽  
Erika Harding ◽  
Billie Jo Kipp ◽  
Andrea Zurawski ◽  
Barbara MacMillan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Hands On

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether an innovative interactive distance training program is an effective modality to train community health workers (CHWs) to become members of the diabetes health care team. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center has developed a rigorous diabetes training program for CHWs involving both distance and hands-on learning as part of Project ECHO™ (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). Methods Twenty-three diverse CHW participants from across New Mexico were enrolled in the first training session. Participants completed surveys at baseline and at the end of the program. They attended a 3-day hands-on training session, followed by weekly participation in tele/video conferences for 6 months. Wilcoxon signed-rank statistics were used to compare pre- and posttest results. Results Participants demonstrated significant improvements in diabetes knowledge ( P = .002), diabetes attitudes ( P = .04) and confidence in both clinical and nonclinical skills ( P < .001 and P = .04, respectively). Additionally, during focus group discussions, participants reported numerous benefits from participation in the program. Conclusions Community health worker participation in the Project ECHO diabetes training program resulted in significant increases in knowledge, confidence, and attitudes in providing care to patients with diabetes. Studies are ongoing to determine whether the training has a positive impact on patient outcomes.

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