Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39901096›Full record

SynthesisBMC cancer2025

Enhancing cancer care through a knowledge-sharing model: a systematic review of Project ECHO

Sangeeta Bhuyan, Shikha Yadav, Amit Verma, Shama Bhati, Ankit Anand, Sandeep Bhalla, Apoorva Karan Rai

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC cancer, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Sangeeta BhuyanECHO India, New Delhi, India.
Shikha YadavECHO India, New Delhi, India.
Amit VermaECHO India, New Delhi, India. amit.verma@echoindia.in.
Shama BhatiECHO India, New Delhi, India.
Ankit AnandECHO India, New Delhi, India.
Sandeep BhallaECHO India, New Delhi, India.
Apoorva Karan RaiECHO India, New Delhi, India.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCancer poses a life-threatening public health challenge, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study focuses on India, where the cancer burden is substantial, with approximately 1.2 million new cancer cases recorded in 2020, emphasising the urgent need for effective prevention, early detection, treatment, and support services. The lack of local workforce capacity in rural areas exacerbates this challenge, necessitating collaborative efforts. The nonprofit organization Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) employs the 'Hub and Spoke' model in India to bridge gaps in cancer care. The review aimed to assess the scale and impact of ECHO's initiatives, evaluate findings, examine the model's implementation, and assess its acceptability among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in preventing and treating cancer.

methodThis systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight studies, comprising six quasi-experimental and two observational studies, employing the ECHO Model for cancer care training programmes were identified. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using a standardized critical appraisal tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).

resultsThe findings reveal that ECHO India actively collaborates with experts and institutions, conducting programmes and webinars in 12 states/Union Territories to enhance professionals' expertise in cancer care. Published literature, though limited, emphasises ECHO's training impact, with knowledge gains ranging from 7% to 51%. The model's adoption, retention, and reach are evident through 24 institutes/hubs implementing ECHO programmes in oncology. However, challenges such as low pre post assessment response rate and internet connectivity were observed.

conclusionECHO India's work in cancer care is substantial, addressing gaps in workforce capacity. The systematic review highlights the need for more publications to capture ECHO's impact comprehensively. The findings contribute valuable insights to ongoing efforts to reduce India's cancer burden and improve the well-being of its population.

Indexed as

Community Health ServicesNeoplasmsDelivery of Health CareHealth PersonnelHumansIndiaCancer careCommunities of practiceECHO® – Extension for Community Healthcare OutcomesECHO IndiaECHO model™Preventive oncologyProject ECHOSystematic review

Identifiers

PMID39901096
PMCPMC11792304

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.