Using Technology to Address Workforce Shortage: Impact of ECHO Rheumatology on Primary Care Providers

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Medical Education
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases pose a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems.
• Challenges like provider shortages and geographic disparities limit access to specialized rheumatologic care.
• The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model connects community providers with specialists to improve care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reach and impact of the ECHO Colorado Rheumatology program.
• To assess improvements in primary care providers' (PCPs) self-efficacy in managing rheumatologic conditions.
• To determine the program's effectiveness in serving PCPs in underserved areas of Colorado.

Main Methods:

• Assessed participation, demographic, and self-efficacy data from 2020-2023.
• Analyzed changes in self-efficacy using Wilcoxon signed-rank test (pre/post).
• Used McNemar's test for secondary analysis of "competent or higher" ratings.

Main Results:

• 211 providers participated, 93% from Colorado.
• Statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy for 9 out of 10 learning objectives.
• Significant improvement in "competent or higher" ratings for 8 out of 10 learning objectives.

Conclusions:

• Participation in ECHO Colorado Rheumatology enhanced PCP self-reported competence in diagnosing and managing rheumatologic conditions.
• The program effectively reached providers serving medically underserved populations.
• ECHO Colorado aims to improve patient access to rheumatologic care through enhanced PCP capabilities.