Telemedicine and the organization of the health Sector

The widespread introduction of telemedicine would have organizational conse quences for the health sector. However, the problem of health-sector organi zation is complex. A general framework for analysis of organizational conse quences has been developed and consists of eight points. These are: (1) the starting point; (2) mapping of applications of telemedicine where organiza tional consequences are possible; (3) characterizing the nature of larger o rganizational consequences; (4) the consequences for the health sector in t he chosen area; (5) possible consequences for the number and placement of g eographical subunits of the health sector; (6) possible consequences for he alth sector organizational types; (7) the consequences for the tools of hea lth policy; and (8) design of the change process towards a new organization .