Guidelines for participants

How do I participate?

After your registration is accepted, you will receive notices about the sessions which will include the ECHO OEM program and session information, session instructions, and a link to join via Zoom for each session. 

ECHO sessions are virtual and interactive. We strongly encourage you to use technology that will allow you to interact fully. You will need:

• a reliable, high-speed internet connection
• a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, or smartphone 
• good quality speakers, camera, and microphone 

You may need to connect your computer to a web cam, external speakers and/or microphone, for the best experience. We advise that you test your equipment before the program begins, and before each session. 

What is the ECHO OEM etiquette?

During an ECHO OEM session, participants (spokes) are expected to engage in collegial discussion about session topics and cases. This means asking pertinent questions to help clarify issues in cases and providing constructive recommendations that are within the spoke's scope of practice. Spokes should keep questions and comments brief so that others have a chance to join the discussion. To help develop a rapport in the community of practice, spokes are expected to attend at least 60 per cent of the sessions.

Videoconferencing etiquette:  

• mute your microphones when you are not speaking 
• maintain confidentiality at all times 
• avoid interrupting others as they are speaking 
• remain respectful of others’ ideas at all times 
• leave the room if you have to take a phone call 
• eliminate extraneous noise when your microphone is on 

How do I present a case?

The ECHO OEM is an "all teach, all learn" community of practice. Presenting a case is an opportunity to get advice and recommendations from other participants and the expert hub. 

Here are the main criteria for case presentations:

• cases can be conditions that affect a patient's ability to work (regardless of whether they are caused or aggravated by work) and conditions related to occupational and environmental exposures
• case presentations are 5 minutes, followed by a 20-minute discussion facilitated by a member of the expert hub team
• all personal information must be de-identified on the case presentation form
• personal information must not be revealed during the case presentation

Our expert hub will help to ensure that ECHO OEM is a safe and supportive environment for participants to present cases, ask questions, and learn from one another.

To present a case, registered participants submit a completed case presentation form.

Have questions about presenting a case? Contact the ECHO OEM project coordinator at echooem@iwh.on.ca.

Physicians presenting a case may bill OHIP for case conferences (billing codes K707 or K701).