Alaska ECHO Projects

 

"Moving Knowledge, Not People"

 

These virtual learning communities provide educators, service providers, case managers, administrators, families, and others access to expert advice from professionals throughout the state and country, building capacity in home communities to implement best practices and improve outcomes. 

 

Hub and spoke knowledge-sharing networks create a learning loop:

  • Community participants learn from specialists
  • Community participants learn from each other
  • Specialists learn from community participants as best practices emerge
 

ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses videoconferencing technology to connect a team of interdisciplinary experts with primary care providers, other health services professionals, and community members. The discussions with, and mentoring from, specialists help equip participants to support individuals and their families with health and disabilities related needs in their home communities.

  

What do I need to do to get started?

  1. Register for an ECHO in the "ECHO Projects" tab 
  2. High-speed internet connection
  3. A front-facing camera on smartphone, tablet, or computer (laptop or desktop)
  4. Access to Zoom web conference software (more information below)
  • Using Zoom

    Using Zoom for ECHO Sessions

    You can test your connection to Zoom prior to the scheduled time by visiting http://zoom.us/test

    1.  Once on the Zoom test page, click on the blue Join button to launch Zoom. Screenshot of Zoom "Join" button
    2. If you do not already have Zoom installed on your computer, follow the prompts to download and run Zoom. Click on the download file if it does not open automatically and follow the computer prompts to install.
    3. Once Zoom is installed, it will open the Zoom window. Screenshot of Zoom audio buttons
    4. You will then have the option to Join the Audio Conference by the Computer or to view the details to dial in by phone. If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting, we recommend choosing the option Test your Computer Mic & Speaker. Screenshot of Zoom test audio
    5. Click Test Speaker and confirm that you can hear the tone. If it does not play, you may need to adjust the volume or choose a different speaker from the drop down menu.Screenshot of Zoom test speaker button
    6. Click Test Mic and speak into your microphone. Click the button Recording when you are done speaking and it will play your microphone test back to you. If you cannot hear your microphone recording, you can select another microphone from the drop down menu, or adjust the input level. Screenshot of Zoom test mic button
    7. Once you've confirm that your microphone and speakers are working properly, you can close out of the audio settings window. To continue using computer audio, now choose Join Audio Conference by Computer. You can also check the option Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting if you want Zoom to automatically connect to computer audio each time you join a Zoom meeting.
       Screenshot of Zoom Join audio button
     

    Zoom Desktop Systems

    Zoom conferencing from a desktop/laptop is good for 1-2 people to participate.

    • When video conferencing over a wireless connection, be aware of bandwidth usage and your system limitations. It is preferred that you connect virtually over a hard-wired connection for best connectivity.
    • Check to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera when utilizing the desktop system. If you do not have a microphone/speaker, dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.
    • Can’t see or hear participants? Check your system settings to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera selected, and that you are not muted.

    Click here for more information about Zoom desktop.

    Zoom Room Systems

    • Zoom conferencing from a room system is preferred for larger groups of participants.
    • Arrive a bit early and make sure that the camera pre-sets are set to where your multiple participants will be seated.
    • Ensure the microphone/speaker are operational. If you do not have a microphone/ speaker, dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.
    • If you cannot hear audio please check the television monitor volume and then the volume control on the room system (they are separate).
    • If the far site cannot hear your audio, make sure the microphone is not muted (red light is off).
 

  ECHO Projects

  • Alaska COVID-19 Science ECHO 

    https://www.facebook.com/alaskachd/live_videos/

    Join on Facebook Live

    COVID-19 Science ECHO
    Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST

     

    The COVID-19 Science ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for the general public to interface with our Public Health Leadership Team to explore the science of the COVID-19 virus and current best practices. This is simultaneously broadcast via Zoom to Facebook Live.

    Current session series

    Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST
     


    Experts include:

    • Anne Zink, MD, Alaska Chief Medical Officer
    • Joe McLaughlin, MD, Chief Epidemiologist
    • Anna Frick, MPH, CIC
    • Coleman Cutchins, PharmD
    • Louisa Castrodale, DVM, MPH

    Ask our experts a question in the COVID-19 Science Questions Form.  

  • Alaska COVID-19 ECHO for Medical Providers
    The Alaska Healthcare Provider ECHO is a virtual learning network for healthcare professionals to connect with each other, share best practices, and resources.
     
     
    1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm AKST
     
  • Behavioral Interventions for Early Childhood ECHO

    The Behavioral Interventions for Early Childhood (BIEC) ECHO is a virtual learning network for professionals supporting children from birth through seven years of age whom experience challenging behaviors and need additional behavioral supports. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where complex situations are discussed with real-time advice from a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

    New series coming Fall 2021

      

    How will the Behavioral Interventions for Early Childhood ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated facilitators will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Access to information on developmental milestones in early childhood
    • National and state resources
    • Behavioral interventions to reduce disruptive behavior
  • Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO
     

    The Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO offers a virtual network for behavioral health providers to learn best practice care through real-time access to experienced specialists including addiction medicine physicians, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner. Through the use of a hub and spoke model, ECHO gives participants the opportunity to take an active role in rich dialogue with the hub team and with their fellow spokes in an interdisciplinary teaching and learning environment. Each session includes a brief lecture, deidentified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team. 

    Current session series 

     
    April 7, 2021, 12:00pm – 1:00pm AKST
    April 21, 2021, 12:00pm – 1:00pm AKST

     

    Register for the Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO

    How will the Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices in treating stimulant and opioid use disorders
    • Communication when working with a multi-disciplinary team
    • Treating people with co-occurring disorders
  • EMS ECHO 
    The EMS ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for Emergency Medical Services and related personnel in Alaska to amplify best practices. Sessions are topic-driven and typically include a guest presenter or a brief lecture with an interactive case or process discussion. This ECHO is facilitated and supported by Team One, LLC.
     
     
    2nd & 4th Friday each month, 10:00 am - 11:00 am AKST
     
  • Family ECHO

    The Family ECHO is a virtual learning network for family members and those supporting individuals with disabilities who also need higher support and care levels. Learn from field experts including other family members, social workers, behavior analysts, and parent navigators. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where you can discuss complex situations for real-time advice from experts. 

    Current session series

    2nd & 4th Wednesday each month, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm AKST
     

    Register for Family ECHO

    Submit a case presentation.

    How will the Family ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment
    • Common systems navigation and support concerns to address
  • Gatherings, Sports, and Community Events ECHO
    The Gatherings, Sports, and Community Events ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for sharing current information and best practices for holding large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
     
    1st & 3rd Monday each month, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm AKST
     
  • Head Injury for Medical Providers ECHO

    The Alaska Head Injury ECHO is a virtual learning network for medical providers to learn best practice care through real-time access to Head Injury experts, including a board certified brain injury specialist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, and peer advocate. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning; discuss complex Head Injury cases in your practice for real-time advice from experts. 

    Current session series


    Apr 14, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST
    Apr 28, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST
    May 12, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST
    May 26, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST

     

    Register for the Head Injury ECHO

    Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated experts will help providers increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for Head Injury screening, treatment, and medication management
    • Common medical symptoms and behavioral health concerns in patients with Head Injury
    • Successful therapies for rehabilitation
     

    Why should Head Injury ECHO matter to you?

    • Alaska has one of the highest rates of brain injury in the country
    • There is limited capacity in Alaska to provide specialty care for brain injury
    • The majority of injuries are mild and individuals often end up seeking treatment in a primary care office
    • 70% of Alaskans with a Head Injury severe enough to require hospitalization are discharged home with no assistance
  • Interior Alaska Physicians - Public ECHO
    The Interior Alaska Physicians ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for the general public to interface with a team of scientific and medical experts responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Interior Alaska.
     
     
    Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm AKST
     
  • Local Government Public Health Analysis ECHO
    The Local Government Public Health Analysis ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for local Alaska government leaders to interact with the State Public Health Leadership team and focuses on pandemic mitigation tools available, and how to use them.
     
     
    1st & 3rd Wednesday each month, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm AKST
     
  • Media ECHO
    The Alaska Media ECHO invites media representatives to participate in live Question & Answer sessions with Alaska Public Health Leadership regarding the Alaska COVID-19 response.
     
     
    Thursdays, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm AKST
     
  • Mental Health & Development Disabilities ECHO

    Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities ECHO offers a virtual network of real-time access to experienced experts in the field of mental health for people with developmental disabilities. Through the use of a hub and spoke model, MHDD ECHO gives participants the opportunity to take an active role in rich dialogue with the hub team and with their fellow spokes in an interdisciplinary teaching and learning environment. Each session includes a brief lecture, deidentified case presentation, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team. The MHDD ECHO Hub Team includes a psychologist, a clinician, an applied behavior analyst, a parent, and self-advocate guests with personal experience. 

    Current session series

     
    Every other Thursday (January 21st - April 29th), 10:00 am - 11:30 am AKST

     

    Register for MHDD ECHO

    How will the Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Prevalence of co-occurring mental health issues among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
    • Evidence-based practices for testing, assessment, and treatment
    • Strategies for mental health professionals
    • The experience of individuals and families in this field
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO for Clinicians

    Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO is a virtual learning network of providers offering real-time access to developmental and behavioral experts. Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO takes the principles of ECHO and adds the components of interdisciplinary expertise, including the integration of parent expertise. Our interdisciplinary team includes a developmental pediatrician, child neuropsychologist, advanced nurse practitioner, licensed clinical social worker,  and a parent advocate.

    Current session series

    Mar 25, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm AKST
    Apr 22, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm AKST
    May 20, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm AKST

     

    To join the Register for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO for Clinical Providers

    How will the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns in children with autism
    • Successful office visits for children with autism and other behavioral concerns
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized autism experts
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO for Medical Providers

    Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO is a virtual learning network of providers offering real-time access to developmental and behavioral experts. Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO takes the principles of ECHO and adds the components of interdisciplinary expertise, including the integration of parent expertise. Our interdisciplinary team includes a developmental pediatrician, child neuropsychologist, advanced nurse practitioner, licensed clinical social worker,  and a parent advocate.

    ND for Medical Providers - Diagnosticians


    Apr 8, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm AKST
    May 6, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm AKST
     

    Register for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO for Medical Providers

    How will the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns in children with autism
    • Successful office visits for children with autism and other behavioral concerns
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized autism experts
  • Pain & Opioid Management ECHO 
    Pain & Opioid Management ECHO offers a virtual network for medical providers to learn best practice care through real-time access to experienced specialists including an addiction medicine physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, family medicine physician, and anesthesiologist. Through the use of a hub and spoke model, ECHO gives participants the opportunity to take an active role in rich dialogue with the hub team and with their fellow spokes in an interdisciplinary teaching and learning environment. Each session includes a brief lecture, deidentified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team. CMEs are available to participants at no cost. 
     

    Current session series

    April 5, 2021, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm AKST
    April 19, 2021, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm AKST
    May 3, 2021, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm AKST
     
    Register for the Pain & Opioid Management ECHO

    How will the Pain & Opioid Management ECHO help me?

    Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis, and treatment
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns to address
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized field experts
  • Palliative Care ECHO 
    The Palliative Care ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals in the field of palliative care to amplify best practices in care related to palliative care practices in Alaska. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where complex situations are discussed with real-time advice from a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
     
     
    1st Wednesday each month, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST
     
  • Perinatal ECHO
    The Alaska Perinatal ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for medical providers caring for pregnant patients and their newborns. This series provides up to date information and support for Alaskan healthcare stakeholders.
     
     
    3rd Thursday each month, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm AKST
     
  • School Health ECHO
    The School Health ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals in the education setting (administrators, school-based nurses, etc) to interface with a team of medical and education experts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Alaska.
     
     
    Mondays, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm AKST
     
  • Situational Awareness ECHO
    The Healthcare Specific Situational Awareness ECHO is is a virtual learning network intended for healthcare professionals to interface with our Public Health Leadership Team to explore current best practices and the most recent information related to COVID-19.
     
     
    Thursdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST
     

ECHO Calendar

Interactive ECHO calendar coming soon!