In the new health sector plan 'Si@!', the following initiatives are planned for 2001-2003 :
Realise a national health network based on a physical infrastructure with satisfactory capacity, security and level of coverage, and a set of basic services designed to pave the way for commercial applications.
Large-scale distribution of electronic interaction by service providers sending standardised electronic messages like referrals, electronic patient records and other information.
Use telemedicine throughout the country, where appropriate. This allows for telemedical consultations, partly requiring broadband access.
Provide the public with an integrated and quality-assured service in respect of public health and social welfare information, and a greater range of services in respect of interaction between health and welfare personnel on the Internet.
"Si@!" refers to how the care professionals and institutions can interact and improve their work through ICT, but does not include family carers in the plan. One issue mentioned is evaluating electronic services for older people.
A government policy paper Stortingsmelding 28 (1999-2000) refers to ICT in relation to new technology like smart alarms, used in connection with people with dementia. It shows concrete potentials as well as constraints, and is very concrete. Discussion about the use of ICT in the care sector mainly deals with economic and efficiency factors, or ethical issues concerning supplementing personal care with technology.