Khalilolahi S, Kazemi N, Besharati S, Abedini A, Varharam M. Drivers and Barriers of Medical Tourism Development in Public Hospitals from the Perspective of Healthcare Staff: A Case Study of Masih Daneshvari Hospital. jhosp 2024; 23 (3) :304-319
URL:
http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6693-en.html
1- M.A. Student in Tourism Management, Faculty of Tourism, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. *Corresponding Author Email: shadi.khalilolahi@ gmail.com
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Management and Economics, Faculty of Tourism, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3- Nursing Research Center of Respiratory Diseases (NRCRD), National Research Institute of tuberculosis and lung diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of medicine science, Tehran, Iran.
4- Associate Professor, Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5- Mycobacteriology Research Center (MRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (30 Views)
Background and purpose: The globalization of medical tourism has intensified competition among destinations, making it crucial to identify key success factors. While research emphasizes the role of host communities in tourism development, non-medical aspects of medical tourism remain underexplored. This study examines healthcare staff perspectives to identify the drivers and barriers affecting medical tourism in public hospitals.
Methods: This qualitative study employed structured interviews with 16 healthcare staff at Masih Daneshvari Hospital, selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted in person during the summer of 2024 until data saturation was reached. Data analysis followed an inductive content analysis approach using MAXQDA software for coding, grouping, and categorization of themes into drivers and barriers.
Results: Key drivers of medical tourism development include skilled human resources, strong medical potential, affordable healthcare and associated costs, and the presence of complementary attractions. Conversely, major barriers include inadequate welfare services for medical tourists, managerial and institutional inefficiencies, hospital infrastructure deficiencies, and political and cultural challenges.
Conclusion: Developing a successful medical tourism sector requires a holistic approach. Identifying, prioritizing, and implementing strategic plans to strengthen facilitators and address obstacles are essential steps toward sustainable growth in this field.
Type of Study:
Original Article |
Subject:
سیاست گذاری ، برنامه ریزی و رهبری و مدیریت در بیمارستان Received: 2024/08/31 | Accepted: 2025/02/26 | Published: 2025/03/13