Growth and impact of Project ECHO for workforce development in age-friendly care

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Telehealth Education

Background:

• Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) adoption in geriatrics has surged.
• Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs) heavily utilize ECHO for age-friendly, interprofessional workforce development.
• This manuscript details the scope and impact of geriatrics ECHOs within GWEPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs) on their use of the Project ECHO® model.
• To measure the reach, focus, evaluation methods, and characteristics of ECHO networks funded by GWEPs.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to all Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs).
• Data collected included network reach, foci, evaluation strategies, and other relevant characteristics.

Main Results:

• All 48 GWEPs responded, with 30 (63%) utilizing ECHO.
• GWEP ECHO networks serve rural and urban underserved populations nationwide.
• Age-friendly care is integrated across diverse foci like primary care and dementia, involving multiple health professions, trainees, and caregivers.
• Outcomes measured include community-level achievements like Age-Friendly Health System designation.

Conclusions:

• The ECHO model is a widely adopted, key strategy for GWEP-supported workforce training in age-friendly care.
• Project ECHO® effectively expands interprofessional training opportunities for the geriatrics workforce.
• It is particularly beneficial for interprofessional teams in rural and underserved regions.