Project ECHO Integrated Within the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN)

Abstract

Two key advancements in improving the quality of primary care have been practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and Project Extension for Community Health care Outcomes (ECHO). PBRNs advance quality through research and transformation projects, often using practice facilitation. Project ECHO uses case-based telementoring to support community clinicians to deliver best-practice care. Although some PBRNs sponsor ECHO programs, the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN) has created a statewide network for ECHO programs (Oregon ECHO Network [OEN]). We facilitated a unique funding stream for the OEN by partnering with payers and health systems. The purpose of this article is to share our experience of how OEN programs and ORPRN research and transformation projects enhance practice recruitment and retention and improve financial stability. We describe the synergy between ORPRN projects and ECHO programs using 3 examples: tobacco cessation, chronic pain and opioid prescribing, and diabetes management. We highlight challenges and opportunities in these examples, beginning with their development, their implementation, and their ultimate alignment, despite varied funding streams and timelines. We believe that incorporating the OEN within ORPRN has been a success for both PBRN research and Project ECHO programs, allowing us to better support primary care practices across the state.

Methods for scaling up an outreach intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in rural areas

“…The first part of this work involved defining which functions of the intervention would be shared with new organizations. Then the scale-up plan was developed and included learning collaboratives informed by the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) project [ 42 ], virtual workshops and webinars, technical assistance, and a supporting facilitation guide. ECHO-informed learning collaboratives were chosen to facilitate participation by busy rural and remote healthcare organizations.…”

The Coordination Toolkit and Coaching Project: Cluster-Randomized Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Patient Experience of Care Coordination

“…While the addition of higher-intensity coaching did not improve patient experience more than lower-intensity toolkit dissemination alone, recent work has shown other benefits of distance coaching, such as sustainment of complex interventions and skill mastery. 21,38 Ongoing CTAC analyses are examining whether distance coaching enhanced team functioning or completion and spread of QI projects, while future work should explore the optimal bundle of implementation strategies and tools to improve patient experience of care coordination. Our current findings suggest that most clinics making a commitment to do so will engage in care coordination QI activities when given access to an online toolkit supported by lower-intensity implementation strategies.…”

Clinicians’ Core Needs in a Pandemic: Qualitative Findings From the Chat Box in a Statewide COVID-19 ECHO Program

“…10,11 The Oregon ECHO Network (OEN) offers a variety of programs and resides within the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network. 12 At the start of the pandemic, we recognized ECHO could effectively disseminate pertinent information to clinicians across the state. As we previously described, 13 we relied on OEN's established systems and relationships to identify credible faculty experts and widely promote the program.…”