Improving Pediatrician's Behavioral Health Competencies Through the Project ECHO Teleconsultation Model

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Delivery
• Telemedicine
• Pediatric Behavioral Health

Background:

• Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a teleconsultation model for primary care.
• Existing Project ECHO adaptations for behavioral health (BH) primarily target adults or specific conditions.
• Current models often rely on self-reported outcomes, limiting objective evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt Project ECHO for pediatric primary care providers.
• To address common pediatric behavioral health needs.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of this adapted model.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving pediatric primary care providers.
• Adaptation of the Project ECHO teleconsultation model.
• Evaluation of provider knowledge, skills, and treatment practices.

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction reported.
• Statistically significant improvement in provider knowledge and skills (P = 0.001).
• Associated reduction in psychotropic polypharmacy use.

Conclusions:

• The adapted Project ECHO model shows promise for supporting pediatric primary care.
• It enhances provider competencies in managing common BH issues.
• Project ECHO is a valuable workforce development tool for primary care settings.