Learn Intestinal Failure Tele-ECHO Project: An innovative online telementoring and case-based learning clinic

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Intestinal failure (IF) is a rare, chronic condition necessitating intravenous (IV) fluids or parenteral nutrition (PN) dependency.
• Optimal IF management requires specialized multidisciplinary teams, but access to these experts is often limited.
• Clinicians without IF expertise frequently manage patients, potentially compromising care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate an innovative telementoring program using the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model for IF care.
• To enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers managing patients with IF and PN dependency.
• To overcome geographical and expertise limitations in IF management.

Main Methods:

• The Learn Intestinal Failure Tele-ECHO (LIFT-ECHO) project adopted the ECHO model for videoconferencing-based telementoring.
• Online clinics featured patient case presentations, expert-led discussions, and best-practice recommendations.
• Didactic lectures on IF and PN-related topics were provided to an interprofessional, international audience.

Main Results:

• The LIFT-ECHO project facilitated knowledge dissemination and specialty mentorship in IF care.
• The program aimed to improve the quality of care delivered to patients with IF.
• Virtual support and education were provided to clinicians managing complex IF cases.

Conclusions:

• Telementoring programs like LIFT-ECHO can effectively bridge the gap in specialized IF knowledge.
• This initiative has the potential to transform IF care delivery by increasing access to expertise.
• Improved healthcare outcomes for patients with intestinal failure are anticipated through enhanced clinician competency.