Positive impact of a telemedicine education program on practicing health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: A mixed methods study of an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program

Q Jane Zhao, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Dmitry Rozenberg, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada;
Sahar Nourouzpour, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
Ani Orchanian-Cheff, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Library and Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
John Flannery, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Rupert Kaul, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Senyo Agbeyaka, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Mary Barber, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Patrice dePeiza, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Anna Maria Doumouras, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Haley Draper, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Nadine Gebara, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Jenny Lau, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Dan Liberman, Department of Medicine, McGill University; Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Ryan A. Luther, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada;
Monica Sanh, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Library and Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Andrea D. Furlan, ECHO at UHN, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to shifting and expanding clinical responsibilities, rapidly evolving information and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for health care workers (HCW) to synthesise and translate COVID-19 information into practice. This study evaluated whether a COVID-19-specific telemedicine education program (ECHO COVID) would impact health care workers’ self-efficacy and satisfaction in the management of patients with COVID-19. Methods: A prospective mixed methods parallel-design study was conducted among ECHO COVID participants using prepost questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Questionnaire results were examined for changes in health care workers’ self-efficacy and satisfaction. Focus group discussion data were analysed to explore health care workers’ experience in ECHO COVID and the context of their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 239 health care workers registered in ECHO COVID and 114 (47.7%) completed questionnaires and attended at least one ECHO COVID session. Median self-efficacy scores increased from 5 (IQR 4–6) to 6 (IQR 6–6) (p<0.0001), independent of profession, years in practice, age group, or practice environment. Participants were highly satisfied with ECHO COVID sessions with a median score of 4 (IQR 4–5). Focus group discussion data indicated that health care workers gained knowledge through ECHO COVID and revealed facilitators for ECHO COVID program success, including the transition to virtual care, the practicability of knowledge provided, and a ‘perspective from the trenches.’

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