{
  "abstract": "The initial feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the online ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism model in addressing gaps in physician training regarding autism management, through virtual case-based discussions and expert-led didactics, has been demonstrated in resource-limited settings.Objectives To examine sustainability of ECHO Autism program in India by evaluating long-term reach and impact on clinical practices of physicians more than one year after participation.Methods A mixed-methods study analysed participation metrics of 219 physicians across three consecutive cohorts of ECHO autism training (2021–2023) and conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 physicians to explore (1) implementation of knowledge into practice, (2) barriers to implementation, (3) professional growth and capacity building, and (4) perceived impact on children and families. Quantitative analysis included descriptive demographic analysis and ANOVA; transcripts were analysed through inductive content analysis to identify themes.Results Enrolment remained stable across the three cohorts. Sixty percent (n=132) attended at least 50% sessions. Attendance rates declined as sessions progressed. There was no significant difference in attendance based on physicians’ specialty or region of practice. Participants described continued confidence in diagnosing autism and co-occurring conditions, adopting a strengths-based and family-centred approach, and improving documentation. Systemic barriers, including time constraints and lack of access to a multi-disciplinary team, hampered implementation. Participation in ECHO motivated further autism-specific learning and fostered professional networking.Conclusions ECHO Autism has sustained in the community with lasting positive impact on physicians’ self-efficacy in implementing autism care and continues to be a vital platform for ongoing collaboration and learning.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Leera Lobo"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Shrunal Kamdar"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Alokananda Rudra"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ummeed Child Development Center, Mumbai, India"
      ],
      "name": "Koyeli Sengupta"
    }
  ],
  "title": "131 Participation trends and impact of ‘echo autism’ – an online capacity-building platform for physicians in autism care for children in India",
  "uid": "83f25bed-fb2d-5e61-b8b1-171cb1371de5"
}