Project Echo – Telementoring for Complex Health Conditions

Project echo is a telementoring system that connects primary care doctors with inter-disciplinary teams of specialists. This model is designed to improve care for patients with complicated what does project echo stand for health conditions, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The ECHO model, which was developed in 2003 at the University of New Mexico, concentrates on treating the hepatitis C in prisons and in underserved populations. The ECHO model has since been replicated around the world in numerous 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 and the GE Foundation, and the Leona M. and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust.

During ECHO sessions, participants present de-identified case studies, and participate in group discussion with content experts via videoconferencing. In this « all-teach and learn » format, providers share experiences and knowledge to help answer questions, give feedback, and make recommendations.

The ECHO model allows remote monitoring of patient outcomes remotely. Specialists from the University of New Mexico monitor each community provider’s plans for treatment to ensure that 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 stop treatment failure and increases the likelihood of an outcome that is positive. Specialists can also use the ECHO system to monitor data and identifying any gaps in care. This information is shared with local healthcare professionals to enable them to better serve their patients.