Expanding access to health care: Evaluating project Extension for Community Health Care Outcomes (ECHO) Idaho’s tele-education behavioral health program.

Abstract

Mental health issues are prevalent among adolescents and adults in the United States. Many communities, however, face severe shortages of trained mental health providers, which results in primary care providers (PCPs) delivering mental health services. Unfortunately, PCPs are often ill-equipped to provide this specialized care to individuals. Therefore, there is a need to develop and evaluate programs to deliver advanced mental health care training to PCPs, particularly those in geographically isolated areas. A tele-education program, Extension for Community Health care Outcomes (ECHO) Idaho, developed a behavioral health program for PCPs in Idaho—ECHO Idaho Behavioral Health (ECHO Idaho BH). PCPs were recruited from across Idaho to participate in 22 ECHO Idaho BH sessions led by a panel of mental health experts. An evaluation survey was developed to assess overall participant satisfaction, as well as program content, organization, and associated activities. A total of 212 ECHO Idaho BH session evaluation surveys were completed. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the program and indicated that participation in the program improved their clinical practice. The ECHO Idaho BH series reduced barriers to participation for attendees, enhanced attendee knowledge, and attendees indicated attendance would improve their patient care. Thus, ECHO Idaho BH may be an effective method for increasing the quality of mental health care services available for Idaho residents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)