What is ECHO?
What is ECHO?
Hawai‘i Rural Health ECHO is a replicating partner of Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) - a successful, innovative medical education and mentoring program that builds PCP skills and improves access to and capacity for specialty care. Project ECHO® originated at the University of New Mexico and is a movement to demonopolize knowledge and amplify the capacity to provide best practice care for underserved people all over the world. It uses existing technologies to nurture sustainable learning collaboratives, connecting an interdisciplinary team of experts with primary care providers in rural and underserved communities.
Specialists help mentor participants in a “guided practice” model, with primary providers continuing their management and responsibility for patient care. Over time, clinicians develop comprehensive skills to treat specific, complex health conditions within their own practice.
MISSION
Hawai‘i Rural Health ECHO aims to be a resource that delivers high-quality CME experiences that meet’ needs, build capacity for improved patient care, and promote best practices.
METHOD
Hawai‘i Rural Health ECHO links specialist teams at a ‘hub’ with care providers in local communities. Primary care providers – the ‘spokes’ in our model – become part of a learning community, where they receive mentoring and feedback from specialists. Together they manage cases so patients get the care they need in their communities.
MECHANISM
Web video conferencing creates knowledge networks combining a multi-disciplinary team of experts and learners for real life, case-based learning and carefully developed didactics. Data is tracked with a HIPAA compliant tool to measure clinic function over time for the purpose of ongoing quality management.
ECHO Hawai‘i
ECHO Hawai‘i
In July 2015, a team of seven Hawai‘i stakeholders traveled to the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine to participate in the Project ECHO® orientation and immersion training.
This team is charged with the task of planning and launching two pilot ECHO Hawai‘i clinics (behavioral health, endocrinology) in 2016.
ECHO Hawai‘i Material / Links
Partners
State of Hawai‘i, Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
Hawai‘i Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
Hawai‘i State Rural Health Association
Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center
‘Ohana Health Plan
John A. Burns School of Medicine
FAQ
FAQ
What is an ECHO clinic?
Tele-ECHOTM clinics are two-hour webconferences that begin with a brief topic presentation from a mentor/specialist, followed by case presentations, review, and group discussion. During the clinic, you and other participants present specialty patient cases, and learn from feedback provided by mentors and your peers.
Why should I participate?
You'll have access to specialists here in Hawai‘i who can assist you with specialty care needs, allowing you to not only care for your patients but also enhance your own skills and knowledge. Participation in clinics is FREE and there are no membership fees.
You will receive no-cost CME credit for the time you participate in each ECHO clinic.
Do I need special equipment?
You don't need special equipment, as ECHO clinics are not 'telehealth.' You can participate from anywhere via Zoom, a webconferencing service platform (requires a PC, tablet, laptop, with webcam, microphone, and speakers; or a 4G smart phone). A stable, fast internet connection is recommended.
I'm a specialist who'd like to mentor, what should I do?
Please email hsrhacoordinator@gmail.com with your interest. If you also Register, we will have your contact information.
How do I present a case during an ECHO clinic?
Case-based learning is one of the core principles of the Echo model. The education environment is richer and more meaningful when focused on patient problems from one's experience. Case Presentation forms exist for Behavioral Health. Please contact us for the corresponding form. You are encouraged to fill these out as best you can and to submit before a learning session.
We understand the challenge for busy clinicians to do additional paperwork and we want to reduce the barriers for anyone to present a case. If you have a patient you want to discuss, your participation will be welcome with an incomplete, or even absent, Case Presentation form. Aim for an oral presentation WITHOUT ANY PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION that is organized and with sufficient detail to generate relevant feedback.
Bring the experts your problem cases!
What Hawai‘i Rural Health ECHO does not
Provide direct patient care
Practice "telemedicine"
Promote commercial products
Bill for medical services
Charge providers to participate
What Hawai‘i Rural Health ECHO does
Increases health workforce capacity
Decentralizes specialty knowledge
Incorporates guided case-based learning
Promotes best practices and measures outcomes
Provides no-cost CMEs
Leverages technology
Daniel Saltman, MD
Internal Medicine physician