About ECHO

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a guided-practice model that aims to increase workforce capacity by sharing knowledge. Specialists at the “hub” site meet regularly with providers in local communities via videoconferencing to train primary care providers in the delivery of specialty care services.

The ECHO model™, developed at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, provides front-line workers with the knowledge and support they need to manage patients with complex conditions in their local communities. This dramatically increases access to specialty treatment, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Since the start of Project ECHO in 2003, the model has greatly expanded and has been implemented in over 1,400 hubs – both in the U.S. and internationally – covering dozens of complex conditions and problems.

Inspired by the way clinicians learn from medical rounds during residencies, the ECHO Model® has evolved into a learning framework that applies across disciplines for sustainable and profound change.

During an ECHO session, participants present real (anonymized) cases to the specialists—and each other—for discussion and recommendations. Participants learn from one another, as knowledge is tested and refined through a local lens.

This continuous loop of learning, mentoring and peer support is what makes ECHO unique, with a long-lasting impact far beyond an in-person training, webinar or e-learning course. Our knowledge-sharing model brings together specialists from multiple focus areas for a robust, holistic approach.

  • ECHO sessions take place via real-time, interactive videoconferencing, using a PC/Mac, laptop, tablet, or smart phone equipped with a webcam, and Zoom.
  • The first half of the session is dedicated to a 30-minute didactic presentation given by a subject matter expert on a scheduled topic. After the presentation, 10 minutes are allotted for Q&A with the subject matter expert.
  • The second half of the session is dedicated to a case presentation and peer learning. A participant who has submitted a case in advance has 20 minutes to present their case along with its challenges, and the group has 15 minutes to ask questions, provide feedback, and collaborate on possible solutions. All participants are encouraged to contribute actively to the case discussion.
  • Recommendations are summarized verbally at the conclusion of a case presentation, transcribed, and forwarded in writing to the participant whose case was discussed.
For more information, please visit the Project ECHO website: https://echo.unm.edu.