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

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Improvement
• Health Services Research
• Medical Education Technology

Background:

• Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) and Project Extension for Community Health care Outcomes (ECHO) are key to primary care quality.
• PBRNs use research and facilitation; Project ECHO uses telementoring for best-practice care delivery.
• The Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN) established the Oregon ECHO Network (OEN) to scale ECHO programs statewide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share experiences of how OEN programs and ORPRN projects enhance primary care practice recruitment, retention, and financial stability.
• To describe the synergy between ORPRN research/transformation projects and OEN ECHO programs.
• To highlight challenges and opportunities in integrating these initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Facilitated a unique funding stream for OEN by partnering with payers and health systems.
• Described the synergy using three examples: tobacco cessation, chronic pain/opioid prescribing, and diabetes management.
• Highlighted challenges and opportunities from development through implementation and alignment.

Main Results:

• The integration of OEN within ORPRN demonstrated success in supporting primary care practices.
• Synergistic projects enhanced practice recruitment, retention, and financial stability.
• Alignment was achieved despite varied funding streams and timelines across different initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating the Oregon ECHO Network within the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network has been successful.
• This integration enhances both PBRN research and Project ECHO program effectiveness.
• The combined model offers improved support for primary care practices statewide.