Promoting an interprofessional approach to chronic pain management in primary care using Project ECHO

Area of Science:

• Healthcare education
• Pain management
• Interprofessional collaboration

Background:

• Chronic pain management is complex, requiring multidisciplinary expertise.
• Traditional healthcare training often lacks interprofessional interaction.
• Project ECHO offers a tele-mentoring model for continuous education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Project ECHO Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship on healthcare practitioners.
• To explore participants' experiences with interprofessional education in chronic pain management.
• To assess changes in attitudes and practice collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using focus group discussions.
• Involved twenty healthcare practitioners from multiple professions.
• Explored reasons for participation and perceived effects of the ECHO program.

Main Results:

• Participants reported personal and professional benefits, increased role understanding.
• Attitudes toward chronic pain patients and colleagues shifted positively.
• Interprofessional nature of ECHO fostered perceived practice collaboration and communication.

Conclusions:

• Project ECHO's interprofessional approach is viewed positively by diverse healthcare professionals.
• The program enhances competency and confidence in managing complex chronic pain cases.
• Tele-mentoring models can effectively bridge gaps in interprofessional healthcare education.