Project ECHO AIIHPC

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a pioneering tele mentoring programme which was developed in the School of Medicine at the University of New Mexico (UNM).

The Project ECHO AIIHPC is designed to support primary care staff to improve their knowledge and skills in the care and management of patients with a wide range of palliative healthcare needs. Each ECHO lasts one hour and thirty minutes, accessed using teleconferencing software. Through fortnightly teaching sessions and case presentations, staff have the opportunity to discuss patient scenarios which they have found challenging and determine the best course of future treatment. The network fosters a spirit of learning from each other in a safe environment. All four phases of Project ECHO AIIHPC (three with nursing homes and one with primary care occupational therapists and physiotherapist) have been funded by the Health Services Executive.