A corporate healthcare organization is considering telemedicine. What is the CEO's best initial step?

The best initial step for the CEO considers analyzing the feasibility of the telemedicine initiative before taking further action. By forming workgroups to conduct a feasibility study, the organization can thoroughly assess the resources required, identify potential challenges, and evaluate the needs of both staff and patients. This step is crucial as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the operational, technical, and financial implications of implementing telemedicine.

Engaging workgroups allows for a collaborative approach where various stakeholders can contribute their insights and concerns, ensuring that decisions made later are well-informed and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. By starting with a feasibility study, the CEO sets a solid foundation for any subsequent decisions, such as developing a communication strategy or selecting a vendor for implementation. This thorough preparatory phase ultimately increases the likelihood of the telemedicine initiative being successful and sustainable.