Project ECHO • LSF Health Systems

ECHO: Moving Knowledge, Not People

LSFHS ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) established in 2022 provides an inclusive, interactive approach to connect and empower Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Primary Care Physicians (PCPs), multidisciplinary specialists/providers, and other professionals. LSFHS ECHO uses the Project ECHO educational, knowledge-sharing model to create a synchronous, virtual network of healthcare professionals to discuss didactic content regarding clinical and systematic practice changes and to review de-identified patient cases related to medical care, social determinants of health, and community services. Project ECHO increases access to high-quality specialty care in local communities through technology-enabled collaborative learning to eliminate silos, collaborate on solutions, and equip specialists, providers, and the community. The benefits are increased workforce capacity by building interprofessional communities that bridge gaps to bring positive change.

The Learning Loop

Hub and spoke knowledge-sharing networks create a learning loop:

Service provider participants learn from specialists
Service provider participants learn from each other
Specialists learn from service provider participants as best practices emerge

Project ECHO was initially developed in New Mexico as an online methodology to support community healthcare professionals to treat individuals infected with Hepatitis C, is now a rapidly expanding global network. Project ECHO aims to democratize learning through mentoring and building communities of practice aided by multi-site video-conferencing following its Guiding Principles.

How Does ECHO Work?

Using the power of videoconferencing, primary care providers connect virtually to a multidisciplinary hub team and a network of primary care providers across Northeast Florida. Each session is called an ECHO “clinic.” A clinic typically includes a brief, 15 – 30 minute didactic, but the essence of the learning takes place over in-depth discussions of real-world cases presented by the primary and community providers. All participants in the learning network contribute to the discussion in an “all teach, all learn” model, and recommendations for practice are shared.

How to Get Involved

If you are a primary care provider or community provider and would like to participate in the program, contact Elisha Gumataotao, OIFSP Project Manager at elisha.gumataotao@lsfnet.org .

Currently recruiting Peer Specialists and Subject Matter Experts (SME) in Harm Reduction. Watch the video below to learn more about the SME role or click here to read more.

EMAIL: ECHO@lsfnet.org

PHONE: (904) 718-0307

Submit A Case

Guest Presenter Interest

LSF Health Systems is a managing entity contracted with the Department of Children and Families.