Leveraging Project ECHO to Implement a Suite of Substance Use Learning Communities for Statewide Impact

Substance Use & Addiction Journal (05/16/24) Lindsey, Adrienne C.; Deem-Bolton, Carma; Fleming, Sanjuana; et al.

Researchers investigated the use of the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model for a statewide telementoring center of addictions-focused ECHO programs. "With elevated overdose rates and increasing alcohol-related deaths, there is continued need for enhanced workforce development efforts to prepare clinicians to effectively address [substance use disorder] (SUD)," the authors report. For their program, 968 learners—representing health and behavioral science health disciplines throughout Texas—attended SUD telementoring training programs, with 48 learners per session on average. In terms of geographic reach, 47 cities in Texas were represented, including 21% in rural areas. Results of post-session surveys revealed high rates of participant satisfaction, likelihood of referring colleagues to the program and strong utility in materials for supporting implementation. Participants' average ratings for these categories on a 5-point Likert-like scale were 4.68, 4.75 and 4.69, respectively. Annual surveys of participants showed improvements in provider knowledge and self-confidence for all programs, with learners noting improvements in knowledge of SUD principles and confidence in executing approaches for SUD treatment. Based on their findings, the researchers suggest, "ECHO and telementoring more broadly may serve as a useful tool to address widescale SUD workforce development in other states, to address the increasing rates of substance use and substance-related deaths and the enduring workforce knowledge and practice gaps in the area of substance use."

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