Using Project ECHO and Other Distant Modalities to Enhance Community Paramedicine Programs
Abstract
Community Paramedicine is an innovative healthcare model that works to improve access to care by extending non-emergency services and preventative care to individuals, often in underserved and rural areas. There are few community paramedicine programs across the country, with a limited number being replicable and adaptable in rural areas. Community paramedics often encounter challenges in managing complex cases and having access to specialized knowledge. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) and other supportive distant modalities can offer solutions by providing community paramedics with expert education and guidance, while providing the space for collaborative support.
Methods:
This project focused on how using ECHO and other distant-learning platforms can support community paramedics in administering specialized care. This project uses evaluation data and interviews from participants in ECHO series that serve as community paramedics to determine its effectiveness and replicability in other areas of rural Georgia. The usefulness of distant learning systems such as asynchronous courses or webinars, will be evaluated through surveys.
Conclusion:
Using Project ECHO and other distant learning modalities to support community paramedicine programs in rural Georgia can increase expertise, improve healthcare access, and build collaborative partnerships in underserved communities. The model demonstrates promise for scalability across different healthcare needs.
Keywords
Community paramedicine, rural health, community paramedic, public health, healthcare
Conflict of Interest Form
I understand that if my abstract is selected and I agree to present that I must register for the conference and pay the registration fee to attend at least the day of the conference that I present. This includes all Learning Methods except invited Key Note Speakers.
Using Project ECHO and Other Distant Modalities to Enhance Community Paramedicine Programs
Community Paramedicine is an innovative healthcare model that works to improve access to care by extending non-emergency services and preventative care to individuals, often in underserved and rural areas. There are few community paramedicine programs across the country, with a limited number being replicable and adaptable in rural areas. Community paramedics often encounter challenges in managing complex cases and having access to specialized knowledge. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) and other supportive distant modalities can offer solutions by providing community paramedics with expert education and guidance, while providing the space for collaborative support.
Methods:
This project focused on how using ECHO and other distant-learning platforms can support community paramedics in administering specialized care. This project uses evaluation data and interviews from participants in ECHO series that serve as community paramedics to determine its effectiveness and replicability in other areas of rural Georgia. The usefulness of distant learning systems such as asynchronous courses or webinars, will be evaluated through surveys.
Conclusion:
Using Project ECHO and other distant learning modalities to support community paramedicine programs in rural Georgia can increase expertise, improve healthcare access, and build collaborative partnerships in underserved communities. The model demonstrates promise for scalability across different healthcare needs.
