What is PIF-ECHO?
PIF-ECHO is a free, virtual education program and research study designed for patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) and their caregivers.
PIF-ECHO is adapted from Project ECHO, an established public health initiative that uses discussion-based learning to share specialty expertise. While Project ECHO is usually designed for clinicians, PIF-ECHO brings this approach directly to patients and caregivers.
What does participation involve?
Participants will be asked to:
Complete online surveys about their experiences and quality of life
Attend an introductory session
Attend as many additional sessions (out of 12 offered, one per week)
Join live Zoom Sessions (60-90 minutes each)
Participants may also choose to complete an optional one-time online survey about preferences for CIF care (25–30 minutes).
Session topics include:
- NUTRITION & DIET
- MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF CIF
- CENTRAL LINE CARE
- PREVENTING AND MANAGING PN COMPLICATIONS
Who can participate?
You can participate if you or the person you are assisting has chronic intestinal failure
AND have been on home parenteral nutrition for at least 6 months
AND have no active cancer or HIV
AND can participate in Zoom sessions
AND can consent to participate in this research study
Chronic intestinal failure
Home parenteral nutrition (HPN)and/or intravenous fluids for 6+ months
No active cancer or HIV
Age 18 or older- Can participate in Zoom sessions
Participation is voluntary, and you may stop at any time.
Is there compensation?
Participants receive modest gift-card compensation for completing surveys.
Who is Leading the Study?
The Principal Investigator of the study is Dr. Kishore Iyer of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The study team also includes physicians, dietitians, researchers, and patient advocates.
PIF-ECHO is supported by national organizations and patient advocates including:
