IC@N Project ECHO

Elective Title: Project ECHO: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Department of Psychiatry

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Elective Director:

Nichole E. Ammon, MSEd, LPCC-S

Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

nammon@neomed.edu* | 330.325.6613

*email is the preferred mode of communication

Elective Location:

NEOMED Campus, Department of Psychiatry

4209 State Route 44

Rootstown, OH 44272

Coordinator:

Jami Brewer

ECHO Coordinator / Program Specialist

jbrewer@neomed.edu* | 330.325.6700

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Brief Description of Elective: 

Students will participate in programs hosted by Project ECHO: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Department of Psychiatry.  Participation includes attendance at ECHO sessions (preferably in person), participation in case-based discussion, and assisting with taking notes on any recommendations.  Other tasks may include but are not limited to researching resources relevant to cases presented, assisting in the development of a didactic presentation, literature review, and independent study.  Students may have opportunities to engage in Program Evaluation of Project ECHO and Quality Improvement activities, upon discretion of Elective Director.

Project ECHO is based on a set of values, including service to the underserved, demonopolizing knowledge, trust and respect, teamwork, excellence and accountability, innovation and learning, and joy of work.  It is designed to be interprofessional and multidisciplinary.  Interprofessional Collaboration and Interpersonal Communication skills are critical for the success of Project ECHO.

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Elective Objectives - by the end of this elective rotation, students will be able to:

• Describe Project ECHO – the model, values and benefits to clinical practice.

• Discuss how NEOMED is utilizing Project ECHO to address Ohio needs and further the mission of both NEOMED and the Department of Psychiatry.

• Describe how Project ECHO impact healthcare providers the healthcare system

• Identify the value interprofessional collaboration brings to Project ECHO and ECHO virtual communities.

Activities and Learning Methods:

• Scholarly activity (case reports, literature review, clinical questions)

• Technical procedures: Zoom Videoconferencing and Project ECHO as a model for tele-mentoring

• Presentations – Formal: possibly an ECHO didactic, other options may be considered; Informal: Practice-based Learning and Improvement (PBLI) types, pertaining to topics from ECHO programs

• Self-directed study (at discretion of Clerkship Director)

Student Expectations:

• There is a minimum of 32 hours per week required for this to be an approved elective

  • Students are expected to be on campus Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

  • All ECHO sessions are to be attended in person – with exception of the Opiate ECHO at 7AM, which will be exclusively attended via Zoom

  • Connection via Zoom to any other sessions requires prior approval

  • Remaining hours and daily schedule remain flexible and subject to approval by the Elective Director

• Consistent communication with Clerkship Director, including brief weekly meetings

• Independent study:

  • Students should identify area of interest related to Project ECHO and work with Elective Director to develop a plan for best use of independent study time

• Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times

• Students are expected to ask questions and participate in case discussions; however, they should limit recommendations to that which is within their current scope of practice

• If a concern arises during an ECHO session, program leads prefer students talk with them directly

  • Additionally, or alternatively, all concerns should be brought to the attention of the Elective Director (even if the student has spoken to the program lead)