Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) telementoring in the military: where we are now, opportunities and challenges

Authors

Joanna Katzman, ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Laura Tomedi, ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Robin Swift, ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Eric Castillo, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134, USA
Connie Morrow, Air Force Diabetes Center of Excellence, JBSA-Lackland, AFB, TX78236, USA
Laurie Lutz, Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, VA 22040, USA
Kevin T. Galloway, Strategic Communications and Policy, Defense & Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Kimberly McCoy-Stafford, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA 22041, USA
Zachary Klein, ASRC Federal, Reston, VA 20190, USA
Greg Turner, ASRC Federal, Reston, VA 20190, USA
Derrick J. Beckman, Air Force Diabetes Center of Excellence, JBSA-Lackland, AFB, TX78236, USA
Jennifer Terrell, Naval Medical Readiness Training Command Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA23708, USA
Shannon Forde, Naval Medical Readiness Training Command Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA23708, USA
Chamron Martin, ECHO Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Sharon Morgan, Connected Health Branch Clinical Support Division, Medical Affairs, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA 22041, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-28-2021

Abstract

Introduction

In collaboration with the ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Institute since 2012, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have developed medical teleECHO programs to address various health and safety issues affecting military personnel. This article describes and compares the current state of military teleECHOs as well as the growth and change over time. Materials and Methods

This study evaluated continuing education units (CEUs) offered, average session attendance, and number of spoke sites for current military teleECHO programs across the service branches. Results

Between 2012 and 2019, the military teleECHO initiative grew from one program to seven different teleECHO programs, covering topics from pain to diabetes to amputee care. Military ECHOs now provide training to 10 countries and 27 states in the United States. Between October 2018 and September 2019, the military ECHO programs provided a total of 51,769 continuing medical education (CME) hours to a total of 3,575 attendees from 223 spoke sites. Conclusions

The military has successfully used the ECHO model to improve the health and safety of active-duty military, retirees, and dependents.

Recommended Citation

Joanna Katzman, MD, MSPH, Laura Tomedi, MPH, PhD, Robin Swift, MPH, Erick Castillo, MS, PM-LPC, Connie Morrow, MAEd-AET, Laurie Lutz, PhD, Kevin T Galloway, BSN, MHA (Ret.), Kimberly McCoy-Stafford, MSPH, MCHES, Zachary Klein, Greg Turner, BSN, Darrick J Beckman, USAF, MD, Jennifer Terrell, Shannon Forde, Chamron Martin, Sharon Morgan, MSN, RN, NP-C, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Telementoring in the Military: Where We Are Now, Opportunities and Challenges, Military Medicine, Volume 186, Issue 9-10, September-October 2021, Pages 236–241, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab010