Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (ECHO FASD): Tele-mentoring program to increase healthcare capacity for FASD diagnosis

BackgroundChildren with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) often experience delayed, missed, or incorrect diagnosis due to low FASD awareness and diagnostic capacity. Current strategies to expand awareness and diagnostic capacity are insufficient or impractical.MethodsThis project examined the feasibility of Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) tele-mentoring to train community clinicians about FASD. Participants attended ten 1-h weekly ECHO sessions that included presentations, vignettes, and discussions. Measurement utilized Bowen's feasibility domains.ResultsRobust webpage traffic yielded 19 participants (demand). Fidelity scores, hub team field notes, and participant ratings indicated feasibility based on acceptability, implementation, practicality, and adaptation. Clinicians' knowledge and confidence improved and case-based diagnostic accuracy was high (limited efficacy).ConclusionsECHO FASD is a feasible training method that shows promise in increasing diagnostic capacity across many geographic regions.