TB Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), is a collaborative tele-mentorship model of medical education that provides health care and public health professionals with the knowledge and support they need to manage patients with TB infection and disease through:
- Case consultation along with Case-based learning opportunities for clinicians, nurses, and staff.
- Case presenters receive case notes, prepared by the TB ECHO panel, following the session.
- Didactics on TB-related topics are offered. Continuing education credits available for most didactics.
- Telementoring, from TB specialists, on best practice standards in TB care.
- A weekly shared learning experience with a community of engaged professionals.
- Ability to participate in and contribute to the learning community remotely using free, easy-to-use videoconference technology.
The ECHO® model, which originated from the University of New Mexico, is used in a variety of other areas as well, including the University of Washington and with Tribal partners. Clinician-to-clinician programs allow for specialty care to be delivered in remote areas and are a vital part of telehealth services.
Schedule
- Sessions are held weekly* from 12:30-1:30 PM, Pacific Time.
- TB ECHO 2024 Calendar and Presentation Schedule (PDF)
Recorded Sessions
Missed a TB ECHO® session? TB ECHO® now has didactic presentations available for viewing.
Forms
- How to Submit a Case (PDF)
- TB ECHO® Case Intake Sheet (PDF)
- TB ECHO® Contact Information (PDF)
- Videoconferencing Etiquette (PDF)
- Continuing Education Credit Statement (PDF)
Resources
- Healthcare Provider TB Toolkit
Provides resources to assist with TB screening, testing, treatment, and consultation. - TB Patient Resources
Includes patient educational materials in a variety of languages, information about culturally appropriate care, and links to patient support groups. - The BCG World Atlas
Provides information on BCG policies and practice for over 180 countries to assist clinicians with interpretation of TB diagnostics. - TST in 3D
This online TST/IGRA interpreter estimates the risk of active tuberculosis for an adult based on his/her reaction to a tuberculin skin test or Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and clinical profile.
Articles
- Project ECHO: a model for complex, chronic care in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S.
The Project ECHO model improves access to health care in rural America and may provide a way to bring specialist care to rural areas in developing countries. - Medical Residents Score Poorly in Diagnosing and Managing Tuberculosis
Poor results in a recent survey of medical residents demonstrates a need for improved training on how best to diagnose and care for people with latent and active TB. - Partnering Urban Academic Medical Centers And Rural Primary Care Clinicians to Provide Complex Chronic Disease Care
In New Mexico an innovative new model of health care education and delivery known as Project ECHO provides high-quality primary and specialty care to patients with complex chronic conditions.
Partners
Washington State Department of Health, Firland Northwest Tuberculosis Center, University of Washington Medicine, Washington Tuberculosis Collaborative Network, and Curry International Tuberculosis Center partner to provide technical assistance and shared learning opportunities to clinicians treating patients with tuberculosis infection and disease through TB ECHO®.
TB Project ECHO® is modeled after University of New Mexico's Project ECHO®. In 2009, John Scott, M.D. of the University of Washington, brought the Project ECHO® model in the Northwest and now collaborates with more than 20 rural sites in the region, advising on infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.
If you are interested in learning more or joining TB Project ECHO®, please contact the TB Program.