Impact of Project ECHO on Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge, Confidence, and Skills in Geriatric and Dementia Care: A Scoping Review

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background The shortage of geriatric specialists in the United States has increased reliance on primary care providers to diagnose and manage dementia, yet many lack adequate training in geriatric care. Objectives To examine how dementia and geriatric-focused Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) programs influence provider knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills. Methods A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO to identify studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies were based in the United States and reported provider level outcomes. Data were extracted from nine eligible studies and analyzed thematically. Results Participation in ECHO programs was consistently associated with self-reported increases in provider knowledge of dementia diagnosis and management, greater perceived confidence in caring for older adults, and enhanced subjective communication and clinical skills. Several studies reported improvements in clinical decision-making, prescribing patterns, and interprofessional collaboration, though sustained practice change and patient-level outcomes remains infrequently documented.