A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Project ECHO Program for the Evidence-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of chronic, genetic disorders of the red blood cells with significant gaps in access to evidence-based clinical care. Sickle Treatment and Outcomes Research in the Midwest (STORM), a provider network, utilized Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes), a telementoring model, to deliver evidence-based education about SCD management. The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to evaluate the utility of Project ECHO as an educational strategy for healthcare providers treating children and adults with SCD.

Expanding a Regional Sickle Cell Disease Project ECHO to Rapidly Disseminate COVID-19 Education.

Purpose: Healthcare providers faced numerous knowledge gaps and challenges with adapting practice behaviors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, an established virtual sickle cell disease (SCD) telementoring program rapidly expanded from monthly evidence-based didactic sessions focused on medical and psychosocial complications of sickle cell disease, to additional supplemental COVID-19 sessions with emerging pandemic topics and forums for shared experiences to address this timely educational need among multidisciplinary healthcare providers.

Methods: In March 2020, the COVID-19 and Sickle Cell Disease Project ECHO telementoring series was launched with a rapidly evolving curriculum of contemporary topics and case presentations.

Educational Needs of School Nurses Regarding the Evidence-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare blood disorder that can have life-threatening complications. This presents a challenge for school nurses who may have had limited experience managing complications in the school setting. This study assessed the experience, self-reported knowledge, confidence and ability of school nurses in managing SCD in the school-setting and identified continuing educational needs and preferences.

Translating sickle cell guidelines into practice for primary care providers with Project ECHO.

Background: Approximately 100,000 persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) live in the United States, including 15,000 in the Midwest. Unfortunately, many patients experience poor health outcomes due to limited access to primary care providers (PCPs) who are prepared to deliver evidence-based SCD care. Sickle Treatment and Outcomes Research in the Midwest (STORM) is a regional network established to improve care and outcomes for individuals with SCD living in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.