The ECHO Model
Originating out of the University of New Mexico (UNM), Project ECHO® is an evidenced based model with the overarching objective to simultaneously improve access to care and build capacity. The model provides a wider access to professional education, improvements in clinical practice and knowledge acquisition.
Goals of Project ECHO
- Use telemedicine technology to leverage scarce healthcare resources.
- Share best practices and reduce variation in care to improve outcomes
- Develop specialty expertise among primary care providers through practice-based learning
ECHO Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN)
ECHO OBN uniquely focuses on the management of obesity and obesity related diseases. Working across 9 Bariatric Centres of Excellence, ECHO OBN aims to expand access to evidence-informed care for surgical interventions and medical management of common, chronic and complex obesity related issues by harnessing the knowledge of practitioners and creating a community of practice.
Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN)
The OBN was established in 2009 and comprises of Bariatric Centres of Excellence (BCoE), Regional Assessment and Treatment Centres and surgical sites that work together as part of the Ontario Bariatric Services Strategy initiated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The primary goal of the OBN is to reduce the number of people suffering from obesity and obesity related diseases. The OBN continues to focus on innovation, evidence-based practice, research, and standardization in order to meet the high care standards set by Ontario for both medical and surgical treatment options.
There are 9 BCoEs involved in the Pilot ECHO Series:
- Guelph General Hospital
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre
- Humber River Hospital
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
- The Ottawa Hospital
- Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
- Toronto Western Hospital
- Health Sciences North (Sudbury)
- London Health Sciences Centre