A Scoping Review of Project ECHO's Impact on Primary Care Physician Competency in Hepatitis B Management within Nigeria's Delta Region

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection constitutes a significant public health burden in Nigeria, with the Delta Region reporting high endemicity. Primary care physicians are central to management but often report competency gaps. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a tele-mentoring model designed to build capacity among frontline clinicians; its specific impact within this context is not well synthesised. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise the available evidence on the impact of Project ECHO on the perceived and assessed competency of primary care physicians in managing hepatitis B within Nigeria’s Delta Region. A scoping review was conducted following established frameworks. A systematic search was performed across multiple electronic databases and grey literature sources. Studies of any design focusing on Project ECHO and HBV management competency among primary care physicians in the specified region were considered. Data were charted and analysed thematically. The search yielded a limited number of relevant studies. Synthesis indicated that participation in Project ECHO was consistently associated with improved self-reported physician confidence. A prominent theme was the value of case-based learning and the community of practice in reducing professional isolation. However, robust data on objectively assessed clinical competency or long-term skill retention were absent. Existing evidence, though limited, suggests Project ECHO is a promising model for enhancing primary care physician confidence in hepatitis B management in this region. The review underscores a significant evidence gap regarding measurable changes in clinical practice and patient outcomes. Further primary research employing mixed-methods and longitudinal designs is required to evaluate objective competency and clinical impact. Programmes should consider integrating standardised competency assessments. Policymakers could explore the sustainable integration of such tele-mentoring into continuing professional development frameworks. tele-mentoring, tele-education, capacity building, hepatitis B, primary health care, Nigeria, scoping review This review consolidates the current evidence on Project ECHO’s role in hepatitis B management training in the Delta Region, identifying key themes and critical evidence gaps to inform future research and programme development.