The lack of treatment available for underserved populations inspired Dr Sanjeev Arora to develop the Project ECHO model as a platform for improved service delivery, education and evaluation. Using video-conferencing technology and case-based learning, primary care providers from rural and underserved areas are trained and mentored by consultants to deliver best-practice management of complex health conditions in their communities. Central to the ECHO model is an innovation known as Knowledge Networks, where the expertise of a single specialist is shared with numerous primary providers through telehealth clinics - increasing access to care in rural areas. The ECHO model is now used to manage 14 chronic diseases, and the expansion of specialist service capacities means that up to 10 times as many patients can be effectively treated. In New Mexico, the ECHO methodology has reduced waiting lists for such conditions from eight months to just eight weeks. ECHO has been replicated across 14 different states in the US and is now expanding internationally, preparing to launch in Ireland in 2013, in partnership with RCSI.
Mon Jun 10 2013 - 03:44
