The Pacific Oncology Outreach Project: an overview

The Pacific Oncology Outreach Project is a merit-based, DoD-funded project aimed at minimizing the effect of distance on cancer care management through the use of the Internet and telephone. Tripler Army Medical Center, located in Honolulu, HI, USA, is responsible for providing comprehensive, definitive medical care of over 750,000 individuals located throughout Hawaii and the Western Pacific. The vast distances involved in the delivery and support of health care throughout this region prompted the exploration of tele-technology to facilitate this mission. Since piloting this project in 1996, the use of the Internet to conduct tumor boards has expanded to include conducting educational sessions, providing a forum for client support, and pan-Pacific business meetings. All these initiatives have met with overwhelmingly positive support from clients, administrators and health care providers