Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (Sep 2022)

Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Project ECHO in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Suzan M. Walters,
  • Wong Pui Li,
  • Rumana Saifi,
  • Iskandar Azwa,
  • Sharifah Faridah Syed Omar,
  • Zachary K. Collier,
  • Asfarina Binti Amir Hassan,
  • Marwan S. Haddad,
  • Frederick L. Altice,
  • Adeeba Kamarulzaman,
  • Valerie A. Earnshaw

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582221128512
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21

Abstract

Read online

Objective: In Malaysia, HIV is concentrated among key populations who experience barriers to care due to stigma and healthcare discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased barriers to healthcare. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a transformative tele-education strategy that could improve HIV prevention and treatment. Methods: Practicing physicians who were aged 18 years or older and had internet access participated in asynchronous online focus groups. Results: Barriers to Project ECHO were conflicting priorities, time constraints, and technology. Facilitators included content and format, dedicated time, asynchronized flexible programming, incentives, and ensuring technology was available. Conclusion: Project ECHO is a promising intervention that can increase physicians’ knowledge and skill set in specialty medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventionists in Malaysia in particular, but also in general, should consider these barriers and facilitators when developing Project ECHO as they may aid in developing a more robust program and increase participation.