Telemedicine: a process enabler for enhanced healthcare delivery systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework along with underlying propositions for the design and deployment of telemedicine projects which provide healthcare organizations with strategic benefits. Design/methodology/approach – Field research conducted at four healthcare organizations along with academic literature in the areas of telemedicine and process management form the basis for the conceptual framework and propositions provided in this paper. Findings – Telemedicine can be used as a process enabler for enhanced healthcare‐delivery systems. However, there are several challenges which must be considered prior to its implementation. The framework and propositions provided in the paper can be used to facilitate successful telemedicine project deployments. Research limitations/implications – The framework and propositions are derived from a small sample and must be validated through more rigorous empirical research studies. Practical implications – The concepts presented in the paper can be used by healthcare planners to increase the likelihood of telemedicine deployment success within their organizations. Originality/value – This paper begins to fill a void in the literature concerning how telemedicine can be used as a process enabler for improving healthcare‐delivery systems.