2022: Feb DLeH ECHO

Addiction and mental health issues is a growing public health problem. Studies worldwide have shown that >75% of people diagnosed with addictive disorders do not have access to care.  Two import barriers identified are “lack of skilled providers” and “stigma” to access the services. Advances in digital technologies have created unprecedented opportunities to modify both the barriers and create opportunities in improving access to care, i.e. Exponential increase in skilled providers and decrease stigma, i.e. optimal use of e-health. 

1. An exponential increase in Skilled health providers

Adult learning or andragogy, the content is built around the need and interest of the person. Adults are motivated to learn as they experience the needs and interests that learning will satisfy. Adults’ orientation to learning is life-centred and self-directed. Hence mentoring model of tele-ECHO is a more suitable form of education. The core principles of adult learning need to be kept in mind while a mentor starts this process. Reflecting on questions like “ how can I increase my effectiveness as a learning specialist?” or “which technique is most effective in the learning process?” gives clarity in designing the content and instructional design.

Learning in a digital environment comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Information technology makes learning more ubiquitous, connected, learner-controlled, and 24/7. The immensity of the information loaded on the World Wide Web is mind-boggling. The good news is that it is available at the learner’s command 24 hours a day for seven days a week. Facilitators can point learners to readily available valuable learning resources. But the bad news is that the open access to those putting information on the Internet raises fundamental questions of quality, accuracy, and completeness of every entry. 

2. E-health practices in SUD & Mental health 

Learning in the healthcare field goes hand in hand with patient case discussion. In this context, basic knowledge about e-health may help us use the interface between technology and teaching better. E-health is an emerging field in the intersection of medical informatics, public health, and business, referring to health services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies. In a broader sense, the term characterizes not only a technical development but also a state-of-mind, a way of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global review, to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and communication technology.