About Us

Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)

A supportive, virtual learning community for primary care providers (PCPs) to enhance their skills and confidence by sharing of best practices and practical advice for real patient cases. Hosted by McGill University.

Our Mission

To build capacity through a virtual community of practice for health care providers in Canada that will increase access to specialist healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and create health equity.

Our Vision

A virtual community advancing the best health care in Canada.

How ECHO works

ECHO links an expert interprofessional “hub” team with primary care providers via weekly videoconferencing sessions.

Before

1

Before the session:
· Receive an e-agenda prior to each session with a videoconference link and session resources.

· Verify you have access to appropriate equipment to participate (stable internet connection, computer, webcam & microphone, or smart phone).

During

2

During the session:
·  A short didactic presented by a content expert.
·  Patient case presentation & discussion (all cases are anonymized).

After

3

After the session:
·  Complete a weekly feedback survey to improve future experiences.
·  Modify patient care based on clinical pearls from the sessions.
·        Receive CPD certificate at the end of each cycle.

How ECHO Pain & Substance Use Disorder McGill can Benefit You

Gain best practice skills

Join a community of practice

Receive real-time recommendations for patient cases presented

No cost to participate

Access to a specialist interprofessional (hub) team

Earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits

Enhanced confidence and skills to deliver best practice care to patients

Convenient, online learning (via zoom)

Relevant research articles

Articles showing the outcomes of the ECHO model

Babineau, J., et al. (2018). “The Embedded Librarian in a Telehealth Continuing Medical Education Program.” J Hosp Librarianship 18(1): 1-14.

Carlin, L., et al. (2018). “Project ECHO Telementoring Intervention for Managing Chronic Pain in Primary Care: Insights from a Qualitative Study.” Pain Med 19(6): 1140-1146.

Diaz, S., et al. (2020) “Changes in Opioid Prescribing Behaviors among Family Physicians Who Participated in a Weekly Tele-Mentoring Program.” J Clin Med 9(1): 14

Dubin, R. E., et al. (2015) “ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain & Opioid Stewardship: Providing Access and Building Capacity for Primary Care Providers in Underserviced, Rural, and Remote Communities.” Stud Health Technol Inform 209: 15-22.

Furlan, A. D., et al. (2019) “Project ECHO: Building capacity to manage complex conditions in rural, remote and underserved areas.” Can J Rural Med 24(4): 115-120.

Furlan, A. D., et al. (2019) Evaluation of an innovative tele-education intervention in chronic pain mgmt for primary care clinicians practicing in underserved areas J Telemed Telecare 25(8): 484-492.

Hassan, S., et al. (2020) “Promoting an interprofessional approach to chronic pain management in primary care using Project ECHO.” J Interprof Care: 1-4.

Zhao, J., et al. (2020) “Health care providers’ experiences and perceptions participating in a chronic pain telementoring education program: A qualitative study.” Can J Pain 4(1): 111-121