Overcoming Barriers in International Telemedicine Education: A Mixed-Method Study in the Philippines

While several studies have investigated the benefits and the challenges of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, most concentrate on challenges faced by developed nations. The unique challenges telemedicine encounters in developing countries, such as the Philippines, are often underexplored. This research, leveraging a mixed-methods approach, zeroes in on the Philippines due to its distinct geographical attributes and official use of English. Our objectives are to (a) juxtapose domestic and international telemedicine practices, emphasizing international telemedicine education, and (b) unearth novel interrelationships between various factors. Unlike earlier research that recognized isolated challenges, our study unravels their intricate interconnections. Our methodology involved surveys and interviews of 38 stakeholders, including doctors, technicians, and coordinators involved in telemedicine education within the Philippines. The findings underscore that: (1) public endorsement yields positive results; (2) domestic and international telemedicine exhibit strong linkage; (3) communication and technological hurdles are intertwined; (4) unity and collaboration in hospitals are pivotal; and (5) recognizing the “significance of the mission” fosters favorable outcomes. This research underscores the imperative for enhanced educational support in developing nations and accentuates the importance of synergized endeavors with their developed counterparts.