Exploring health professionals’ experiences with a virtual learning and mentoring program (Project ECHO) on pediatric palliative care in South Asia

Authors

Megan Doherty, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration Foundation Kelowna, BC, Canada
Shokoufeh Modanloo, Roger Neilson House, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Emily Evans, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Jennifer Rowe, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Dennis Newhook, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Gayatri Palat, 6Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre
Douglas Archibald, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-12-2021

Abstract

Project ECHO (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an innovative model of online education which has been proposed to enhance access to palliative care in resource-limited settings. There is limited literature describing how health care providers in low-and middle-income countries benefit from and learn from this type of training. This qualitative description study explores the learning experiences of participants in a Project ECHO program on pediatric palliative care in South Asia through focus group discussions. Discussions were transcribed, coded, independently verified, and arranged into overarching themes. We identified learning themes including the importance of creating a supportive learning community; the opportunity to share ideas and experiences; gaining knowledge and skills, and access to additional learning materials. Designing future programs to ensure a supportive and interactive learning community with attention cultural challenges may enhance learning from future Project ECHO programs.

Recommended Citation

Doherty M, Modanloo S, Evans E, et al. Exploring health professionals’ experiences with a virtual learning and mentoring program (project echo) on pediatric palliative care in south asia. Global pediatric health. 2021;8:2333794-2110430. doi:10.1177/2333794X211043061