The Current Status of Telehealth and Distance Learning in Palau

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Telemedicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• The Republic of Palau's 2017 fiber optic cable installation enabled high-speed internet, creating opportunities for telehealth.
• Limited access to specialists and resources in Palau highlights the potential of telehealth to transform healthcare delivery.
• The current status and utilization of telehealth services in Palau remained largely undocumented prior to this study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document existing telehealth resources within Palau's Ministry of Health.
• To identify current telehealth utilization and explore future directions for telehealth expansion.
• To understand the needs and barriers for advancing telehealth and distance learning in Palau.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving in-person interviews with 34 participants at Belau National Hospital and other Ministry of Health departments.
• Participants included physicians, IT personnel, public health staff, allied health managers, and Pacific telehealth experts.
• Standardized questions and surveys were administered in July 2019 to gather comprehensive data on telehealth practices and perceptions.

Main Results:

• All interviewed health departments reported utilizing some form of telehealth.
• Key needs for telehealth advancement include dedicated champions, resource facilitators, distance learning, specialized spaces, technical support, and improved rural communication.
• Respondents expressed strong interest in distance learning for professional development (86%) and staff upskilling (86%).

Conclusions:

• Despite available telehealth and distance learning opportunities, significant barriers hinder their full implementation in Palau.
• Addressing identified needs, such as resource facilitation and technological support, is crucial for telehealth growth.
• The study's findings and recommendations offer valuable insights for other Pacific nations facing similar healthcare challenges and digital transformation.