This paper describes health care work in the context of the service sector and the current production restructuring process occurring in the world. It shows that the intensive use of high-end technological equipment and outsourcing are the main features of this process in the health area and that there are few innovations in terms of organization and work management. Concerning the impacts of the implantation of the production process in this area, it shows that, although unemployment is one of the most negative impacts, it has not yet affected the health sector. The paper also deals with the effects of production restructuring on work conditions, on the outcome of this work and on workers' health conditions. It indicates that this process does not result from economic determinism and that organized action among different social groups can influence the consequences for workers and users of the health care services. Finally, the paper concludes that there is a need for further studies on this area in order to achieve a better understanding of this process.
health care work; production restructuring process; technology and health