Dementia 360 ECHO: Using technology to facilitate diagnosis and treatment

Allison Lindauer, Katherine Wild, Andrew Natonson, Nora Mattek, Miriam Wolf, Anna Steeves-Reece, Deborah Messecar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dementia affects one in ten adults over age 65. Paradoxically, dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias) is underdiagnosed, with approximately 50% of those with dementia lacking a formal diagnosis. This limits options for care, support and research engagement. To address this gap, we developed and implemented a telehealth-based ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) program, “Dementia 360,” to provide education and support for clinicians and allied team members. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of this telementoring educational offering and the effect it had on clinician confidence in diagnosing and treating dementia. Clinicians from across Oregon (n = 67) attended learning sessions via videoconferencing technology. The sessions, which focused on dementia diagnosis and treatment, included didactic information provided by experts, followed by case discussions. We assessed clinician acceptability using surveys, and confidence in identifying and treating those with dementia prior to and after Dementia 360 using paired t tests. Dementia 360 was acceptable to clinicians and significantly increased their comfort levels in identifying and treating those with dementia. The technology-based program provided support and instruction that was acceptable by clinicians, even those in frontier areas of the state.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)202-208
Number of pages7
JournalGerontology and Geriatrics Education
Volume43
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Keywords

  • ECHO
  • dementia
  • education
  • primary care
  • rural

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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