The NT Regional Training Hub recently launched its Project ECHO program, an initiative that harnesses the power of collaboration, education, and technology to help bridge gaps in healthcare access. By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing among multidisciplinary professionals and relevant community stakeholders, ECHO promotes best practices through inter-professional education and case-based learning.
Project ECHO (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) is delivering four tailored networks:
- Clinical Educator and Preceptor Network
- Chronic Disease Network – Heart Health
- Mental Health Network – Cognitive Assessment and Neurodiversity
- Chronic Disease/Mental Health Network – Men’s Health
Online sessions leverage technology and reduce disparity through the sharing of contemporary practices, and democratising clinical knowledge. Sessions are contextualised to address inequities faced by the participants, patients and their communities due to remoteness, travel considerations, cultural barriers.
The first session of the Clinical Educator and Preceptor Network heard a fantastic presentation from Heather Keighley (winner of the 2024 NT Administrators Medal for Lifetime Achievement in nursing and midwifery) on the ‘Ascent to Competence framework’ which was created to explain the key elements that support the development of competent practitioners. This was followed by a robust case discussion around maintaining currency across professional disciplines.
Dr Penny Stewart stated that ‘the all teach-all learn, approach enables us to draw on the vast knowledge and diversity of experiences that the NT possesses, and it will contribute to a rich community of practice and ongoing networks between participants’.
Explore the networks and register at Project ECHO at Flinders NT.