Doctors in New Mexico are learning how to treat the state’s growing elderly population. Project Echo began holding virtual workshops and seminars taught by geriatric experts to help doctors learn how to treat senior patients for everything from memory loss and mobility issues to how to care for themselves.
According to KRQE, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that 19% of New Mexicans are 65 years or older. The goal is to help seniors receive the care they need without having to travel long distances.
“Providing it closer to their homes (is) the best place for people to heal and recover to get care,” Dr. Nitin Budhwar of Project Echo told KRQE. “So, they’re not being shunted all over the state or being sent to large centers. A lot of it can be accomplished by their primary care centers close to home.”
According to its website, during each ECHO session “participants present real cases to the specialists—and each other—for discussion and recommendations.”
Participants interact and learn from one another, absorbing and refining what was learned through their experiences and facilities. According to the website, the “continuous loop of learning, mentoring and peer support is what makes ECHO unique, with a long-lasting impact far beyond that of a webinar, e-learning course or telemedicine care.”
Doctors will undergo training every two weeks. The program will also include teaching sessions on memory, physical therapy and psychiatry.