Remote Medical Education in Indonesia: Analysis of 10 Years of Activities

Introduction: With ongoing development of technology, and especially amid the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there is rapidly increasing need for remote communications, including in the field of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate our telemedicine activities with Indonesia.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data we acquired for the period 2010–2019, looking at number of programs, contents, participating sites, and video conferencing systems. We also digitally sent questionnaires to attendees to request their evaluation of image quality and programs.
Results: There were a total 135 programs, with 29 participating institutions in Indonesia. The number increased rapidly in 2017, following a rapid increase of participating sites in 2016. Program contents included endoscopy (50 programs, 37%), neurology (25, 19%), and dentistry (12, 9%). Between 5 and 10 sites connected with 81 (60% of all) programs, and more than 10 sites with 33 (24%) programs. The most commonly used video conferencing system was Vidyo (108, 80%), followed by Zoom (15, 11%). Participating institutions were located among 19 cities on the five major islands. Image quality received a favorable evaluation from 98% (504/516) of questionnaire respondents, with 100% (400/400) holding a favorable view of the programs.
Conclusion: Remote medical education expanded in Indonesia in the 10 years under review. This expansion is expected to continue to foster more specialists and provide better medical care nationwide.