The impact of project ECHO on physician preparedness to treat opioid use disorder: a systematic review

Authors

Hunter M. Puckett, University of Missouri School of Medicine–Columbia, 1 Hospital Dr., MA204 Med. Sci. Bldg, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
Jenney S. Bossaller, School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, College of Education, 303 Townsend Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
Lincoln R. Sheets, University of Missouri School of Medicine–Columbia, 1 Hospital Dr., MA204 Med. Sci. Bldg, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-22-2021

Abstract

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a medical condition that has evolved into a serious and deadly epidemic in the United States. Both medical and psychological interventions are called for to end this growing epidemic, but too few health care professionals are trained to treat OUD. One proven model of training physicians and cross-disciplinary teams in treating a variety of disorders is exemplified by Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a collaborative tele-mentoring program in which specialists train health-care workers to treat medical conditions, especially those that affect underserved populations. This systematic review found that Project ECHO has the potential to effectively extend current services to patients suffering from OUD, but that there is also a gap in knowledge regarding this type of training. The articles that we reviewed all presented evidence that Project ECHO improves healthcare provider preparedness to treat OUD, especially in regard to improving knowledge and self-efficacy.

Recommended Citation

Puckett, H.M., Bossaller, J.S. & Sheets, L.R. The impact of project ECHO on physician preparedness to treat opioid use disorder: a systematic review. Addict Sci Clin Pract 16, 6 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-021-00215-z