Exploring the Potential of a Multi-Level Approach to Advance the Development of the Medical Tourism Industry in Indonesia

Nowadays, the global medical tourism market size has grown quite rapidly, with a projected increase of 21.1% between 2021 and 2028. This study aimed to explore barriers and potential strategies for the development of medical tourism in Indonesia. A qualitative case study design was employed, where 8 respondents were selected using an expert sampling method from various groups according to the helix framework, including academics, government, professional organizations, the private sector, and the media. Data was collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews, and was analyzed manually using an inductive thematic content analysis approach. Limitations to the development of Indonesian medical tourism are related to regulations concerning medical tourism, the number of health services, distribution, supporting resources, public trust, and competition. At the institutional level, the challenges comprise services and products, hospital facilities, supporting facilities, and marketing processes. Furthermore, at the micro level, the low competency of both health and non-health workers persist as an obstacle. The potential strategy at the macro level include the development of robust marketing and branding strategies, health infrastructure, and resources. At the institutional level, it was necessary to develop related products and services provided, improve quality, and focus on branding and marketing strategies. Additionally, improving human resource skills was needed at the micro level.

Feasibility, acceptance and factors related to the implementation of telemedicine in rural areas: A scoping review protocol

Background

Telemedicine is a quickly developing service that offers more people the access to effective and high-quality healthcare. Societies residing in rural places tend to travel long distances to receive health care, usually have limited access to health care and/or postpone getting health care until a health emergency occurs. However, for telemedicine services to be accessible, a number of prerequisites including the availability of cutting-edge technology and equipment in rural areas must be present.

Objective

This scoping review aims to collect all available data on the viability, acceptability, challenges and facilitators of telemedicine in rural areas.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus and Medical collection of ProQuest are the databases chosen for an electronic search of the literature. Identification of the title and abstract will be followed by an evaluation of the paper's accuracy and eligibility in a two-fold mode; whereas the identification of papers will be openly and completely described using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) flowchart.

Conclusion

This scoping review would be among the first to offer a thorough evaluation of issues related to the viability, acceptance and implementation of telemedicine in rural areas. In order to improve the conditions of supply, demand and other circumstances relevant to the implementation of telemedicine, the results would be helpful in providing direction and recommendations for future developments in the usage of telemedicine, particularly in rural areas.