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An evidence-based policy for improving choice in global health access through medical travel

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  • Ruggeri, Kai
  • Ivanović, Nevena
  • Razum, Josip
  • Kácha, Ondřej
  • Menezes, Igor G.
  • Zafari, Zafar
  • Garcia-Garzon, Eduardo

Abstract

Global medical travel has had an increasing trend without a comprehensive, evidence-driven policy to ensure safe and effective practice. To identify key factors that influence medical travel, we conducted a series of studies culminating with a preference and decision-making component of over 500 prospective medical travelers from a number of countries. Results indicated that quality of care was the most critical factor in the decision, followed by lower costs of procedure and shorter waiting times. Lower costs were less of a factor if the procedure was more invasive, which also increased the importance of waiting time in the decision. The most desired destinations for care were in Europe (United Kingdom, Germany) and North America (United States). Building on these insights and previous literature, we present a model that implements applications from these factors and additional insights generated across the series of studies toward an effective policy framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruggeri, Kai & Ivanović, Nevena & Razum, Josip & Kácha, Ondřej & Menezes, Igor G. & Zafari, Zafar & Garcia-Garzon, Eduardo, 2018. "An evidence-based policy for improving choice in global health access through medical travel," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 122(12), pages 1372-1376.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:122:y:2018:i:12:p:1372-1376
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.09.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heung, Vincent C.S. & Kucukusta, Deniz & Song, Haiyan, 2011. "Medical tourism development in Hong Kong: An assessment of the barriers," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(5), pages 995-1005.
    2. Verra, Sanne Elise & Kroeze, Renske & Ruggeri, Kai, 2016. "Facilitating safe and successful cross-border healthcare in the European Union," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(6), pages 718-727.
    3. Connell, John, 2013. "Contemporary medical tourism: Conceptualisation, culture and commodification," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 1-13.
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    2. Tizian Heinz & Annette Eidmann & Axel Jakuscheit & Tino Laux & Maximilian Rudert & Ioannis Stratos, 2023. "Demographics and Trends for Inbound Medical Tourism in Germany for Orthopedic Patients before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.

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