The role and importance of perceived risk in medical tourism. Applying the theory of planned behaviour

The impact of outpatient settlement for cross-regional medical treatment on healthcare choice by the floating population: PSM+DID evidence based on CFPS

The issue of regional disparities in medical resources and insurance benefits is notably prevalent in China. As a result, seeking medical treatment across regions has emerged as a focal point of health reform efforts in recent years. This study examines the impact of outpatient settlement for cross-regional medical treatment on healthcare choices by the floating population who live and work in regions different from their registered residence. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study conducts an empirical analysis through Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences (PSM + DID). The analysis included a sample of 3,019 floating population from 2012 to 2020. The findings indicate that they are significantly more inclined to select advanced medical institution (coefficient = 0.252, p < 0.05) due to the influence of the policy. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis reveals that this policy primarily affects the labor force (coefficient = 0.268, p < 0.05) and urban residents (coefficient = 0.286, p < 0.05) within the floating population. Ultimately, the outpatient settlement for cross-regional medical treatment affects the floating population to seek care at advanced medical institution, which conflicts with the objectives of the hierarchical medical system. Policymakers should enhance communication to ensure better coordination between these policies.

Exploring the web and language accessibility of medical tourism providers' websites: implications for online marketing and patient recruitment practices

BACKGROUND

Web accessibility as an attribute of the digital presence of organizations has been studied across domains and contexts. Our study aims to add to existing lines of research inquiry by examining the web and language accessibility of medical tourism provider (MTP) websites commonly used to market and promote international medical tourism treatments and services globally.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to (1) systematically analyze the web and language accessibility of MTP online health messages and (2) discuss challenges and implications for medical tourists' user experiences when seeking health information online.

METHOD

We conducted an exploratory quantitative content analysis of web and language accessibility utilizing computer-assisted technology to systematically evaluate the home pages of international MTP websites (n = 125) representing all six WHO Regions of Health.

FINDINGS

Results show the problematic integration of CAPTCHA on 30% of the website home pages which are known accessibility barriers. Furthermore, 87% of the providers offered no accessibility policy statements to the users. The analysis revealed that nearly 70% of the MTPs averaged 6 or more WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility errors on the home page of the providers' websites.

CONCLUSIONS

Inaccessible online health information can amplify this vulnerability and exacerbate the existing digital divide experienced by prospective medical tourists. When medical tourism providers (MTPs) effectively communicate with global audiences by offering accessible and inclusive digital content, they enhance their reach and credibility.

Investigating medical tourism development indicators in Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute: A cross-sectional study

Background

Payingspecial attention to the development indicators of medical tourism (MT) can lead to the further development of this industry and tourists' satisfaction.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate MT development indicators in Yazd Reproductive Sciences Research Institute, Yazd, Iran in 2021.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 430 medical tourists referred to the Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Yazd, Iran in 2021 were studied. A researcher-made questionnaire with 46 questions and 10 dimensions was used in both internal and external environments to collect data. The Spearman correlation coefficient was also used to assess the correlation between the quantitative factors.

Results

The reliability and validity of the scale were confirmed. The mean ± SD of the advertising and marketing index scored was lower than the other internal environmental indices (15.05 ± 2.16). Also, the economic factors and tourism infrastructure were lower than the other external environmental factors (9.8 ± 1.99, 8.53 ± 2.11, respectively).

Conclusion

Given the importance of MT, top managers and relevant authorities should pay close attention to the criteria of advertising, marketing, and tourism infrastructure. MT demand can be improved by increasing the importance of advertising, implementing realistic advertising strategies, and developing adequate urban infrastructure and services.