A virtual Project ECHO training helped school-based providers improve their knowledge and skills in managing behavioral health needs.

Background

Many school-age children have behavioral health or special health care needs, but teachers and school staff often do not receive adequate training to support them. The challenge is even greater in rural areas where specialists are harder to access. The Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model helps address this by connecting school staff with experts through regular virtual sessions that include training and case consultation. This study described the implementation of an ECHO series on functional behavior assessments and behavior planning among school-based providers in Kansas, assessing changes in participant knowledge, skills, and perceived value of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

This study used a post-series survey of 35 participants (n=8 respondents) in a multi-session ECHO program delivered via videoconferencing. The ECHO series was facilitated by psychologists and fellows with expertise in child and school behavioral health, with a focus on case-based learning. As the series was implemented during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of sessions shifted to support participants as schools were transitioning to virtual learning and intervention. Among respondents, 75% reported improved knowledge or skills related to functional behavior assessment and treatment planning (“agree” or “strongly agree”). Similarly, 75% reported that access to specialist consultation and the case-based ECHO format were beneficial. About 79% reported intent to apply learned content in practice, and 78% would recommend the program to colleagues. A smaller share (38%) reported improved ability to support students in virtual learning environments during COVID-19.

Program/Policy Takeaways

The Project ECHO model can strengthen school-based providers’ behavioral health knowledge and confidence through case-based learning and specialist access. Provider organizations can consider participating in or implementing ECHO-style trainings series to support learning across multiple school or child health topics.