The project ECHO first responder resiliency program: curriculum development, listening groups and lessons learned to...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Telementoring

Background:

• The First Responder (FR) Resilience ECHO Program evolved to support FRs facing unprecedented challenges.
• Initially addressing the opioid epidemic, its scope expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to include global participants.
• The program recognized the changing needs of FRs experiencing overwhelm, detachment, and overload.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the curriculum and innovative "listening group" component of the FR Resilience ECHO Program.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in enhancing resilience and self-care skills for FRs.
• To share participant feedback and inform future resilience-building initiatives for frontline workers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a virtual telementoring platform based on the Project ECHO model.
• Developed and adapted curriculum addressing psychological first aid, self-care, resilience, and peer support.
• Incorporated "listening groups" for peer-to-peer connection and shared experiences.

Main Results:

• The program successfully broadened its reach to international FRs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Curriculum adaptations, informed by participant input, effectively addressed emerging needs.
• The "listening group" innovation fostered a sense of community and shared understanding among participants.

Conclusions:

• The FR Resilience ECHO Program provides a vital resource for FRs globally, enhancing their capacity to manage crises.
• Virtual telementoring and peer support are effective strategies for building resilience in frontline workers.
• Ongoing adaptation and participant feedback are crucial for the program's continued success and relevance.