Project ECHO

The Project ECHO Network series delivered by the NT Regional Training Hub is dedicated to supporting healthcare delivery in the NT by leveraging the power of collaboration, education, and technology.

Overview

Our mission is to support healthcare professionals across the NT to ensure that they have access to the latest clinical knowledge, health promotion, training, and peer support required to best service their patients and community within their scope of practice.

What is Project ECHO ® (Extension for Community Care Outcomes)

Project ECHO is an international movement providing online learning and support methodologies. It supports knowledge sharing between multidisciplinary professionals and relevant stakeholders across all sectors of health care and facilitates the exchange of specialist knowledge and best practice via inter-professional education and case-based learning.

Standing for 'Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes', the ECHO model's key principles and aims include:

Using technology to leverage scarce resources.
Sharing best practice to reduce disparity.
Case based learning to master complexity.
Democratising clinical knowledge.
Addressing inequities faced by patients, their carers, and families due to remoteness, travel considerations, cultural barriers, etc.

The model can be applied to a range of fields, we are tailoring the series to focus on four networks:

Clinical educator and preceptor network
Chronic disease network - heart health
Mental health network - cognitive assessment and neurodiversity
Chronic disease/mental health network – men’s health.

How does it work?

The NT Regional Training Hub will be delivering several different ECHO networks, each which has a different theme and focus.

Project ECHO utilises an ‘all teach, all learn’ approach where all session participants have an opportunity to share their experiences, discuss best practice and work together to solve problems. The educational components and sharing of case studies of each ECHO network is determined by the needs and interests of the group.

Each network will have a panel of subject matter experts with a variety of experiences. Trained facilitators will guide the session to help ensure that everyone is equally heard. Participants will learn from the experts and from each other.

all teach all learn echo project graphics

Typical ECHO session format

Sessions are delivered online via Teams approximately once a month (or as scheduled according to individual network’s needs).
Each session is up to 60 minutes long.
A topic expert delivers a 10–15-minute teaching session followed by discussion.
Participants then discuss issues they face or experiences they’ve had, relating to the network’s focus areas via 1-2 ‘case presentations’ that are organised in advance of the session.
These case presentations allow participants to work together to solve problems and learn from other professionals in their sector.
Sessions will be further supported post event with the distribution of additional resources on an online library which is accessible to registered members.
The programme curriculum is co-designed by participants, network panel members and an overarching steering group.
There are a limited number of registrations for each session to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to share and to ask questions.

Our Northern Territory networks

Chronic disease network (Heart health)

Chronic Disease / Mental health network (Men’s health)

Clinical Educator and Preceptor Network

Mental health network (Cognitive assessment and neurodiversity)

Benefits of attending

Virtual Community of Practice

Discuss real cases with specialists and peers.
Receive mentorship.
Gain practical insights.

Educational Resources

Access to a community of practice designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Receive a list of resources and contacts after each session.
Participants guide lesson plans to suit current needs and interests.

Community Support

Become part of a supportive network of healthcare professionals committed to improving patient outcomes in the Northern Territory.
Decrease professional isolation.

CPD Points

Claim your attendance with your relevant College or professional body.

It's free!

All sessions are free for participants.

Join a network

Complete our online form to express your interest in Project ECHO. We’ll confirm your eligibility soon.

Join Project ECHO

Project ECHO: Origin Story

Project ECHO: Changing the World Fast

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to participate?

All you need is a computer and a web cam or a smartphone. Our Project ECHO networks will be using an internet-based video technology called Teams. Participants can easily connect via a link that will be provided, to the sessions.

What are the requirements of participation in Project ECHO?

We request participants attend regularly scheduled sessions, present (de-identified) patient cases, and complete pre and post series surveys. We also ask that they be actively visible on video during sessions.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any healthcare professional who wants to engage around a topic, share their experience, and learn from their peers can attend ECHO sessions. Please see each individual network for further information.

Do I have to attend all the sessions in order to obtain CPD points?

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance after attending each session. This can then be lodged with your College or professional organisation.

Are sessions recorded?

No, the network sessions will not be recorded.

Will I have access to resources mentioned during the network sessions?

Yes, each network will maintain a resource library. Registered participants will receive a link to access these resources.

How is ECHO different from webinars?

ECHO sessions are different to webinars. They are an interactive, conversational community of practice linking like-minded learners. The panel and the participants are learning and sharing together.