Selecting and Implementing a Telementoring Program: Case Studies of Project ECHO

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO) is a telementoring program health professionals that uses adult learning techniques and interactive video technology to connect distal community providers with specialist multidisciplinary teams in real-time collaborative sessions. We examine the adoption, implementation, sustainability of ECHO programs at four academic medical centers through case studies based on structured interviews. The study its analysis are informed by Diffusion Innovation theory Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. found early adopters became aware chance were persuaded observations adopt ECHO. Finding home was an important initial adoption decision. Five context factors influence implementation ECHO: Funding, networks, staffing processes, leadership, individual characteristics staff. Sustainability requires ongoing funding, which itself may rely evidence outcomes. Findings from this can inform Project other extend decisions adopt, implement, sustain similar designed close research-practice care gap between communities centers.