Project ECHO Sunflower Health Plan

Project ECHO creates a bridge to allow collaboration and knowledge sharing. The heart of the ECHO model™ is its hub-and-spoke knowledge-sharing networks, led by expert teams who use multi-point videoconferencing, such as Zoom, to conduct virtual clinics with community providers. In this way, primary care doctors, nurses, and other clinicians learn to provide excellent specialty care to patients in their own communities.

The ECHO model is not traditional “telemedicine” where the specialist assumes care of the patient, but is instead tele-mentoring, a guided practice model where the participating clinician retains responsibility for managing the patient.

Project ECHO is not just a learning and mentoring network; it is also a professional community. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, provide input and guidance to one another, and engage actively in discussions, both during and after a session.

For more information please visit the ECHO Institute at the University of New Mexico's Health Science Center.

Four principles comprise the Project ECHO model. The combination of these principles results in a unique and successful approach for improving clinician satisfaction, enhancing clinician knowledge and self-efficacy, and improving patient satisfaction and outcomes:

1. Amplification: Use technology to leverage the expertise of a multidisciplinary team.
2. Best Practices: Share best practices to reduce disparities and standardize care.
3. Case-Based Learning: Leverage case-based learning and guided practice to master complex cases.
4. Database: Apply web-based tools to monitor outcomes.

What is a hub?

A regional center where a team of subject matter experts for an ECHO program is located, replicates the ECHO Model™ and runs their own ECHO program. Sunflower Health Plan is a Project ECHO hub.

What is a Case Study?

Project ECHO is a case-based learning option for care providers. A case is an overview of an individual’s medical history and overall health.

How much does it cost to participate?

Participation is free. You generally only need to have standard internet connections and a computer.

Is continuing education available?

Case by case basis depending on the program. This information will be listed for each ECHO series.

How is patient or member information protected?

All the patient/member information presented in a session are de-identified and reviewed before the session. A HIPAA announcement is given prior to the start of each session to remind both specialists and clinicians about the importance of preserving patient confidentiality.

Who should participate?

Individual clinicians of all levels are welcome and highly encouraged to participate in sessions, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, community health workers and pharmacists. Team participation is encouraged, as team-based care is the ideal model for enabling higher-level care delivery and task shifting.