Learn about the C-TRaP Investigators' ongoing research projects.
Telehealth-enabled remote patient monitoring for patients with heart failure after hospitalization: Analysis of outcomes and readmission rates
Principal investigator: Dima Dandachi, MD, MPH
Project funded: September 2026
Anticipated completion date: August 2027
This project will evaluate the association between telehealth-enabled remote patient monitoring (RPM) and observed 30-day all-cause readmission rate among patients living in rural areas with congestive heart failure (CHF) after hospitalization. We will use a 25% relative reduction in 30-day readmissions as a literature-informed benchmark and evaluate whether RPM improves patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and reduces potentially avoidable healthcare utilization.
Assessing the spillover effect of clinical learning in ECHO
Principal investigator: Mirna Becevic, PhD, MHA, FAMIA
Project funded: September 2026
Anticipated completion date: August 2027
This project evaluates the spillover effect of clinical learning in Project ECHO by examining whether knowledge gained through participation influences care beyond directly discussed cases. Using chart review methods, the study assesses changes in clinical practice patterns, decision-making, and management of similar patients following ECHO participation.
Predicting Telehealth Utilization and Outcomes in Rural Medicaid Populations Using Advanced Analytics
Principal investigator: Praveen Rao, PhD
Project funded: September 2026
Anticipated completion date: August 2027
In this project, we will apply machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods to predict telehealth utilization trends by analyzing historical utilization patterns, policy changes, and demographic factors. We will also evaluate the causal impact of telehealth on healthcare access and patient outcomes in rural populations using quasi-experimental approaches, including difference-in-differences, propensity score matching, and sensitivity analyses to reduce bias and assess robustness.
Impact of Project ECHO across the United States from 2019 to 2026
Principal investigator: Mirna Becevic, PhD, MHA, FAMIA; Dima Dandachi, MD, MPH, FIDSA
Project funded: September 2026
Anticipated completion date: August 2027
This project will develop a U.S-focused evidence brief synthesizing current literature on Project ECHO and ECHO-like models (EELM), with emphasis on health outcomes, outcomes among patients living in rural areas, and chronic conditions.
Using a systematic literature-based synthesis, quantitative evidence mapping, and meta-analysis where feasible, the project will describe plausible pathways through which ECHO contributes to observed outcomes and identify remaining evidence gaps to inform future HRSA planning and funding priorities.
From necessity to norm: Longitudinal and temporal trends analysis of telehealth utilization
Principal Investigator: Sue Boren, PhD, MHA, FACMI, FAMIA
Project funded: September 2025
Anticipated completion date: August 2026
This project analyzes pre- and post-COVID-19 telehealth use among rural Medicaid beneficiaries to assess how pandemic-era policy changes shaped long-term adoption. Findings will inform sustainable, evidence-based strategies to expand access through telehealth.
The ECHO Effect: Measuring Tele-Mentoring Exposure Required for Sustainable Clinical Practice Transformation
Principal Investigator: Mirna Becevic, PhD, MHA, FAMIA
Project funded: September 2025
Anticipated completion date: August 2026
This study will assess the impact of the Project ECHO model on clinical decision-making and prescribing behavior change among healthcare providers managing patients with chronic pain. By analyzing administrative claims data and ECHO participant attendance records, alongside applying generative AI techniques to evaluate behavioral changes in recorded ECHO sessions, this research aims to determine the threshold of participation required to drive meaningful and sustained improvements in clinical decision-making and patient care.
Decision Analysis of Factors Associated with Telehealth Adoption
Principal Investigator: Jim Dearing, PhD
Project funded: September 2025
Anticipated completion date: August 2026
This study explores factors influencing telehealth adoption among healthcare leaders, with a focus on the ECHO model, social influence, organizational context, and partnerships. Analysis of transcripts from 90 interviews and 160 providers and administrators across 34 North American sites and 62 ECHO programs will offer insights into adoption dynamics.
Privacy-preserving data repository for Project ECHO networks using federated learning
Principal Investigators: Mirna Becevic, PhD, MHA, FAMIA, Praveen Rao, PhD,
Project funded: September 2025
Anticipated completion date: August 2026
Although telehealth is now integral to care delivery, challenges in data sharing, interoperability, and security limit its impact. To address this, we will develop and test federated learning-based data repository for Project ECHO, enabling secure, privacy-preserving, and decentralized data sharing platform to strengthen tele-mentoring effectiveness.
