ECHO Program for Diabetes and Chronic Conditions
(E4DMMC Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to process sugar effectively, which over time can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney damage. Other chronic conditions include high cholesterol, obesity, and depression. Persons with diabetes mellitus and multiple chronic conditions (DMMC) face higher risks of losing physical or mental function, experiencing other chronic conditions, and death. Most of the residents of New Mexico (NM) belong to groups at risk for developing DMMC. Finding quality healthcare is a key factor, as NM also ranks among the largest, poorest, and most rural states. Primary care providers (PCPs) most often treat DMMC patients, but healthcare teams can lack confidence in managing these complex patients and struggle to keep up with recommended guidelines.This Project ECHO model (ECHO) for DMMC, a telehealth intervention for healthcare teams, can lead to lower blood sugar levels in DMMC patients being treated at NM primary care clinics. ECHO is a "telementoring" program that trains healthcare teams to provide specialized medical care at their local clinics. This is done by connecting healthcare teams with specialist mentors at academic medical centers through videoconferencing sessions. During ECHO program sessions, groups of healthcare teams hear lectures on key topics in DMMC care from experts, and then give presentations of anonymous patient cases by a healthcare teams for discussion and to receive recommendations.This clinical pragmatic trial aims to learn if the intervention will improve patient blood sugar levels in persons with DMMC who are being treated at selected health clinic sites throughout New Mexico.The study aims to answer:* Whether a 0.5% drop in HbA1c on average can be achieved in the group whose healthcare teams are receiving the ECHO intervention compared to the comparator group, whose providers will not receive the intervention.* Whether the rate of an individual's HbA1c was greater than 8.5% at the baseline will be reduced by 15% at the end of the intervention.Researchers will compare health data for patients empaneled to healthcare teams in the study and the usual care comparator group both before and after the intervention period to see whether the ECHO model has a positive influence on test results.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on training healthcare teams rather than changing patient medications.
Is the ECHO Program for Diabetes and Chronic Conditions safe for humans?
How is the ECHO Program for Diabetes and Chronic Conditions treatment different from other treatments?
The ECHO Program is unique because it uses a telementoring model to connect primary care providers with specialists, helping them manage diabetes and chronic conditions more effectively, especially in underserved areas. This approach improves access to specialty care and enhances the knowledge and confidence of primary care providers, which can lead to better patient outcomes.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the ECHO program for DMMC treatment for diabetes and chronic conditions?
Research shows that disease management programs for diabetes can improve quality of care and help patients manage their condition better. These programs have been associated with better control of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, which are important for managing diabetes and related health issues.1112131415
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sanjeev Arora, MD
Principal Investigator
University of New Mexico Health Science Center
Yiliang Zhu, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of New Mexico Health Science Center
Vallabh Shah, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of New Mexico Health Science Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions in New Mexico. It's designed to help those treated by primary care providers who may need more support managing complex health issues. To join, participants must be receiving treatment at selected NM clinics.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Healthcare teams participate in weekly ECHO program videoconference sessions for telementoring on complex care strategies for DMMC patients.
Comparator
Usual care practices continue at clinical sites without the ECHO intervention.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention period.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- ECHO program for DMMC
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of New Mexico
Lead Sponsor
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Collaborator
Presbyterian Medical Services
Collaborator