Evaluation of an innovative tele-education intervention in chronic pain management for primary care clinicians practicing in underserved areas

Authors

Andrea D. Furlan, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Canada
Jane Zhao, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Jennifer Voth, Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
Samah Hassan, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Canada
Ruth Dubin, Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
Jennifer N. Stinson, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada
Susan Jaglal, Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Canada
Ralph Fabico, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
Andrew J. Smith, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
Paul Taenzer, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queens University, Kingston, Canada
John F. Flannery, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate knowledge and training of healthcare providers are obstacles to effective chronic pain management. ECHO (extension for community healthcare outcomes) uses case-based learning and videoconferencing to connect specialists with providers in underserved areas. ECHO aims to increase capacity in managing complex cases in areas with poor access to specialists.

METHODS: A pre-post study was conducted to evaluate the impact of ECHO on healthcare providers' self-efficacy, knowledge and satisfaction. Type of profession, presenting a case, and number of sessions attended were examined as potential factors that may influence the outcomes.

RESULTS: From June 2014 to March 2017, 296 primary care healthcare providers attended ECHO, 264 were eligible for the study, 170 (64%) completed the pre-ECHO questionnaire and 119 completed post-ECHO questionnaires. Participants were physicians (34%), nurse practitioners (21%), pharmacists (13%) and allied health professionals (32%). Participants attended a mean of 15 ± 9.19 sessions. There was a significant increase in self-efficacy (

DISCUSSION: This study shows that ECHO improved providers' self-efficacy and knowledge. We evaluated outcomes from a multidisciplinary group of providers practicing in Ontario. This diversity supports the generalisability of our findings. Therefore, we suggest that this project may be used as a template for creating other educational programs on other medical topics.

Recommended Citation

Furlan AD, Zhao J, Voth J, Hassan S, Dubin R, Stinson JN, Jaglal S, Fabico R, Smith AJ, Taenzer P, Flannery JF. Evaluation of an innovative tele-education intervention in chronic pain management for primary care clinicians practicing in underserved areas. J Telemed Telecare. 2019 Sep;25(8):484-492. doi: 10.1177/1357633X18782090. Epub 2018 Jul 10. PMID: 29991316.