SCAN-ECHO for Pain Management: Implementing a Regional Telementoring Training for Primary Care Providers

Abstract

This pilot study reveals positive outcomes in terms of primary care providers' confidence and knowledge in treating patients with chronic pain. Results suggest that involving primary care providers in a one-year academic project such as this can improve their knowledge and skills and has the potential to influence their opioid prescribing practices.

A Qualitative Evaluation of the Pain Management VA-ECHO Program Using the RE-AIM Framework: The Participant's Perspective

“…Utilization of the RE-AIM framework with qualitative inquiry (5) highlighted aspects of the VHA pain management VA-ECHO program consistent with other published evaluations. These findings support other studies in which respondents reported program effectiveness as improved referrals to specialists, skills, and knowledge of available resources and treatment options for Veterans with chronic pain (10)(11)(12)(13). Many respondents reported that improved confidence enhanced their ability to talk to patients about their pain care.…”

Optimizing telehealth pain care after COVID-19

“…Educational initiatives to improve outcomes may include continued use and enhanced engagement in provider-to-provider telementoring, such as Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes 53 and UW's TelePain programs, 67 , 84 which were implemented to support community providers over a decade ago. The value of pain management telementoring programs is supported by several studies, with demonstrations of increased provider knowledge and/or confidence, 2 , 5 , 31 , 53 , 67 improved communication between patients and providers, 5 , 17 greater guideline adherence, 2 and cost benefits relative to specialty clinic visits. 85 Systemic changes (eg, leadership buy-in and modified clinic schedules) that increase the feasibility of regular participation in telementoring may be necessary.…”

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) as a tool for continuing medical education on opioid use disorder and comorbidities

“…It is grounded in adult learning principles and includes aspects of case‐based learning, didactic education and interprofessional consultation . Pilot research on ECHO for topics such as pain management and hepatitis C has identified measurable increases in provider self‐efficacy and knowledge, and one study found an association between New Mexico's SUD ECHO implementation and number of per‐capita physicians with the DATA‐2000 buprenorphine waiver . Recently, the New Mexico SUD ECHO was included in a scoping review of models for integrating treatment of OUD into primary care settings .…”