Project ECHO Occupational and Environmental Medicine: A Qualitative Study of HealthCare Providers Supporting Workers with Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.

Purpose: This qualitative study investigated the needs, barriers, and facilitators that affect primary care providers' involvement in supporting patients' stay-at-work and return-to-work following injury or illness. It also aims to understand the lived experiences of primary care providers who participated in the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes training program for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ECHO OEM). By examining both the structural and experiential aspects of the program, this study seeks to provide insights into how ECHO OEM influences providers' approaches to occupational health challenges.

Methods: Those who attended ECHO OEM sessions were invited to participate in the research study. Four focus groups and five one-on-one interviews were conducted with healthcare providers participating in ECHO OEM. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. This study was structured according to the COREQ Checklist.

Results: We discussed six main themes: (1) Challenges with Engaging with Workers' Compensation Boards; (2) Return to Work practices; (3) Health and Well-Being; (4) Communication is Important; (5) Perspective from the Workplace; and (6) Feedback on ECHO OEM.

Conclusion: ECHO OEM sessions contribute to and impact healthcare providers' knowledge of supporting injured or ill workers. Topics that deserve further attention include incorporating comorbid physical and mental health conditions, navigating workers' compensation systems, and supporting specific populations such as military veterans and emergency personnel.