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Contact: Jennifer Gerdts (jvarley@uw.edu), Gary Stobbe (gastobbe@uw.edu)
Core Function: Professional Training, Technical Assistance and Outreach Training
Program: Adults and Elders
The prevalence of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) has risen significantly in Washington State and nationally. Management of behavioral health conditions in the IDD population by healthcare providers often requires specialized experience and expertise. This combination of factors has contributed to shortages in the workforce in Washington State capable of providing appropriate behavioral health services to the IDD population. The Project ECHO model has been recognized nationally and internationally as an effective method to improve community capacity to treat common, complex chronic conditions and monitor outcomes especially in rural and underserved communities. ECHO IDD Wraparound, launched in September 2020 through a collaboration between UW LEND and the Health Care Authority (HCA), provides teleconsultation and training to provider teams within the HCA Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) system. This training leverages technology to share “best practice” knowledge through case presentations, didactic teaching, and places importance on monitoring outcome and impact of the ECHO clinic on clinical practice. In addition to learning through case discussion, didactic material focuses on relevant topics including behavioral health interventions, foundational knowledge of IDD, modifications to behavioral health interventions to improve community-based healthcare provider’s ability to accommodate those with IDD, and critical knowledge concerning access to community resources to benefit individuals and families impacted by IDD. Over 40 “spoke” participants from across Washington State have been joining these 90-minute, twice-monthly clinics.