Tele-rounds and Case-Based Training: Project ECHO Telementoring Model Applied to Complex Diabetes Care

Lack of access to subspecialty care and persistent suboptimal outcomes for insulin-requiring patients with diabetes mandates development of innovative health care delivery models. The workforce shortage of endocrinologists in the United States results in primary care providers taking on the role of diabetes specialists despite lack of confidence and knowledge in complex diabetes management. The telementoring model Project ECHO amplifies and democratizes specialty knowledge to reduce disparities in care and improve health outcomes. Project ECHO can be applied to type 1 diabetes and other complex medical conditions to address health disparities and urgent needs of complex patients throughout the lifespan.