Frequently Asked Questions About Project ECHO
What is ECHO?
Primary care providers from multiple locations connect at regularly scheduled times with a specialist or team of specialists through videoconferencing. During teleECHO™ sessions, providers present de-identified patient cases to specialists or expert teams who then mentor the providers as they learn to manage patients with complex conditions. These case-based discussions are supplemented with short didactic presentations to improve content knowledge and share evidence-based practices.
Can I receive continuing medical education credits for these teleECHO sessions?
All live Project ECHO® teleECHO sessions are available for continuing medical education (CME) credit. American Medical Association (AMA) Physician's Recognition Award (PRA) Category 1 Credit™ is available for the following:
- Nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Physicians
- Physician assistants
- Physical therapists
- Physical therapy assistants
- Psychologists
- Occupational therapists
- Occupational therapy assistants
For non-physician health professionals and other professionals, the activity is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit and you will need to consult your accrediting body to see if they accept.
What are the requirements of participation in Project ECHO?
We request participants attend regularly scheduled sessions, present (de-identified) patient cases, and complete pre and post series surveys. We also ask that they be actively visible on video while using required teleconferencing software, Zoom.
What technology/equipment is needed to participate in teleECHO?
ECHO uses secure, internet-based video conferencing software. Participants can connect to the video sessions through their phone, tablet, laptop, or a computer with a webcam. Technical support is provided.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any healthcare professional who wants to engage around a topic, share their experience, and learn from their peers can attend ECHO sessions. Participants may include, but are not limited to:
- Behavioral health professionals
- Dietitians
- EMS/paramedics
- Emergency medical technicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physician assistants
- Physicians
- Public health professionals
- Social workers
Cost
Currently, all sessions are free but require a commitment of actively engaging in the peer learning community by sharing case presentations and ideas with the group.
Do I have to attend all the sessions in order to obtain CME?
CME credits are obtained by attending sessions so we encourage participants to attend all sessions, or at the very least, 70% of the sessions within a series. (1 session = 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit)