PROJECT ECHO

Multiple Sclerosis Project ECHO (Extension for community healthcare OUTCOMES)

The focus of Project ECHO is to increase the capacity of healthcare providers in rural areas to provide care to their patients with MS. The Project ECHO model has been used in Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and other medical concerns. Multiple Sclerosis Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a collaborative effort between the University of Washington (UW) and the National MS Society (NMSS) to partner with physicians in under served areas with the goal of increasing capacity for treatment and management of multiple sclerosis.

More than 2.3 million people are affected by multiple sclerosis worldwide and many people, particularly in rural areas, may have limited access to specialty MS care. Primary care providers, community neurologists, and other providers in rural areas may not have many patients with MS in their practice previously and may have limited exposure to rapidly changing recommendations for diagnosis, medical management, and rehabilitation.     

The Multiple Sclerosis Project ECHO provides primary care clinicians and other specialists with access to:

  • UW specialists in neurology, rehabilitation medicine, psychology and other specialists who care for MS patients  
  • Presentations on various topics, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of MS
  • Intensive group case consultation on cases provided by participants
  • Go-to resources for providers and patients provided by the Society 
  • CME credits per hour of participation at no cost

The format is a telemedicine conference in which rotating specialists will present a 15 minute didactic, followed by case studies in which participants present their patients for discussion and one-on-one support.  

Learning Objectives for Participants:     

  • Diagnose MS
  • Treat MS using current and emerging therapies
  • Recognize and treat MS relapses
  • Manage MS
  • Provide patients and families with information and resources about MS, including access to programs/support from the Society