Dartmouth Health joined a global initiative called Project ECHO to help our providers and community partners understand and manage behavioral health conditions. Through 10-minute overview sessions based on patient cases, delivered by health care specialists and presented by participants via a virtual network, our providers and community partners are able to access the information they need to provide effective mental health services in our community.
In 2019 and beyond, we remain committed to new initiatives that improve efficiency and access to health care for patients throughout our region.
Susan Hanlon
Director, Knowledge Map
We know that knowledge and information are powerful tools that can be used to promote better health in our communities. That’s why we joined a global telementoring initiative called Project ECHO (extension for community healthcare outcomes), which was created by a New Mexico specialty physician. Project ECHO uses virtual technology to provide medical education and case-based learning that gives health care providers and community partners the information they need to meet the healthcare needs of more people—especially those in rural or underserved communities.
Project ECHO links interdisciplinary specialist teams with health care providers and community partners using a virtual network. Through the virtual network and ZOOM technology, Project ECHO specialists can share their expertise and provide education in a 10-minute overview format that helps our health care providers and community partners understand and manage complex health conditions. Participants present patient cases to hear recommendations not only from the specialists, but also from other providers in a "teach-all, learn-all" model.
We have rolled out Project ECHO for behavioral health conditions, including substance use disorder and other conditions that require psychiatric care.