Project Team

Answers to popular questions we get asked. You might also wonder about the cost – that’s easy! There’s absolutely no cost to health practitioners in Ontario who qualify and register.

1. How does Project ECHO Ontario Skin and Wound work?

The ECHO model™ links specialists and the resource team (the Hub) with primary care community-based partners (Spokes) – i.e. a hub and spoke model. The online sessions are 2-hours weekly and include a short educational lecture, followed by case-based learning from the participants’ own patients. The combination – live online sessions and in-person skills training – is a way to build health care capacity.

The resource team puts together the content of the ECHO educational lectures. Participants present de-identified cases of their own patients during the live online sessions. Participants also contribute to case discussions and evaluation surveys. They also receive continuing education/ continuous professional development credits (CE/CPD).

Through the ECHO model, community providers and specialists learn from each other, acquire knowledge, skills, increase competency and build a strong community of practice. Participants become part of a supportive community of practice and an inter-professional team.

2. What will participants learn from Project ECHO Ontario Skin and Wound?

Wound and skin care issues, including:

  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Pressure injuries (ulcers)
  • Venous leg ulcers
  • Common dermatological issues related to wounds e.g. hidradenitis suppurativa

3. What is the curriculum based on?

4. What is required of participants?

A. Time: Weekly 2-hour sessions: 15 minute educational lecture, followed by around 90 minutes of patient case discussions. There will also be opportunities to attend in-person ‘boot camp’ skills trainings a few times per year, to be held at various locations in Ontario.

B. Internet Access and a Webcam Enabled Device: Participants must attend the online sessions that will be offered via Zoom technology, a free online platform accessible from most desktops, laptops and smartphones. A webcam is highly encouraged as the learning experience will be highly visual and interactive. Participants will also be encouraged to download supplementary reading and material that will be made available online.

C. Commitment: As space is limited and demand is high, we ask that interested persons who sign-up commit to attending the majority of the online sessions and sign a written statement of collaboration. We also ask that participants act respectfully towards each other and members of the resource team.  Further, participants should ensure that there is no sharing of identifiable information regarding the patients of the cases presented.

5. What costs are involved?

ECHO Ontario Skin and Wound is provided at NO COST to Ontario based health care providers.

6. What are the benefits for health care providers?

  • Enhanced care for patients with skin and wound care issues
  • Certificate of Attendance, if a regular participant
  • Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credits awarded by Queen’s University
  • Being part of an interprofessional community of practice

7. How to sign up?

Sign up by filling out this 5-minute Application form.

8. When does the Project start?

Sessions run every Wednesday, starting September 7th 2022. We are offering a total of 64 sessions of tele-ECHO for acute and chronic wounds. These will be held in 2 annual cycles.

9. How will participants be selected?

Health care providers with an interprofessional team and working in health care organizations within Ontario are welcome to apply; however, space in Project ECHO Ontario Wound and Skin is limited.

Preference is given to health care providers who can participate in the online sessions as part of an interprofessional team, who are in underserviced areas, or who often treat First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people living in Ontario.

10. How can I learn more?

The Project ECHO Ontario Skin and Wound Care ABOUT page has more information about the project, the international movement, the Ontario Superhub, and the other 15 Project ECHO Ontario Hubs.

We also post updates on Twitter: @ECHOWound