Date
October 2022
Overview
Similar to the foundational ECHO model designed for primary care providers, ECHO: Overdose Fatality Investigation Techniques (OD-FIT) is designed to promote the rapid dissemination of medicolegal death investigation–specific knowledge for immediate application to overdose casework.1 The ECHO model is a vehicle for information sharing between individuals without the resource requirements of in-person meetings and training workshops; it is an engaging virtual learning model of two-way conversations where everyone can contribute their unique perspectives. In particular, the ECHO model targets underserved, under-resourced communities that benefit from peer network and interaction. By bringing together multi-disciplinary contributors in a virtual setting and creating a safe space for open discussion, individuals can share their knowledge, expertise, and experience, which may inform best practices in the future.
[1]: Komaromy, M., Duhigg, D., Metcalf, A., Carlson, C., Kalishman, S., Hayes, L., Burke, T., Thornton, K., & Sanjeev Arora (2016) Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes): A new model for educating primary care providers about treatment of substance use disorders, Substance Abuse, 37:1, 20-24, DOI:10.1080/08897077.2015.1129388.“The key to Project ECHO lies in the ‘All Teach-All Learn Model’ which allows for learning in a non-hierarchical, inclusive, and virtual environment.”
- Richa Ranade | The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence report was provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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