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

Lynn L Cole; Christie L M Petrenko; Carson Kautz-Turnbull; Madeline N Rockhold; Susan M Ciurzynski

doi:10.1111/acer.15230

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

Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken). 2024 Jan;48(1):110-121. doi: 10.1111/acer.15230. Epub 2023 Dec 6.

Authors

Lynn L Cole^{1

2}, Christie L M Petrenko³, Carson Kautz-Turnbull³, Madeline N Rockhold³, Susan M Ciurzynski^{1

4}

Affiliations

¹ University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, New York, USA.
² Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.
³ Department of Psychology and Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA.
⁴ Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA.

PMID: 38054571
DOI: 10.1111/acer.15230

Abstract

Background: Children 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.

Methods: This 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.

Results: Robust 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).

Conclusions: ECHO FASD is a feasible training method that shows promise in increasing diagnostic capacity across many geographic regions.

Keywords: FASD; diagnosis; fetal alcohol syndrome; health care access; project ECHO.