Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Abstract

Introduction: Primary care practices manage common endocrine disorders with population health and quality of care initiatives that often include algorithmic and protocol-driven workflows. Endo ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a division of Project ECHO, a program that engages primary care physicians (PCPs) in didactic presentations and case discussions to augment conceptual (experiential, nuanced) rather than algorithmic (rote) learning.

Methods: MaineHealth Endo ECHO was designed using the Project ECHO model, which facilitates interactive learning opportunities by connecting specialty providers and PCPs to share best practices for delivering care via video-conferencing. Using a hub-and-spoke model, providers connect for an hour each month in sessions comprising a short didactic component and a 45-minute case presentation and discussion. For MaineHealth Endo ECHO, Maine Medical Partners Endocrinology and Diabetes Center served as a subspecialty hub that engaged eight spoke sites at eight hospitals in Maine and New Hampshire. In video-networked clinics, participants engaged in a didactic presentation providing state-of-the-art information on managing endocrine disorders followed by a discussion of complex patients presented by PCPs from spoke sites. Participants were evaluated for changes in their knowledge and confidence after the sessions.

Results: Feedback from surveys of PCPs at spoke sites revealed an improvement in knowledge of the topic and when to consult with a specialist, and increased confidence managing the care of the case.

Conclusions: Endo ECHO was successfully introduced as a feasible and sustainable program in Maine that improved physician knowledge and confidence. This program may be replicated for other specialties.

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