Author/Authors :
Jabbari, Alireza Health Management and Economics Research Center -Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Isfahan - Department of Health Services Management -Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Gholami, Maryam Clinical Research Development Center - Nemazee Hospital - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Kavosi, Zahra Department of Health Services Management - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Chamanpara, Parisa Clinical Research Development Center - Nemazee Hospital - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Gholami, Mehrnaz Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Background and Objectives: Medical tourism (MT) continues to gain ever increasing attraction among patients around the world. The quality of services as perceived by medical tourists has is a key factor in encouraging patients to use MT option for their treatment. The present study aimed to explore which variables could affect the medical tourists’ perspective about services quality.
Methods: The medical tourists from the countries of the Persian Gulf border who referred to a selected number of the private hospitals in Shiraz (Southern Iran) were surveyed. The SERVQUAL scale was used as the study instrument. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple-regression analyses.
Findings: Nationality and type of therapy were found to significantly influence the perceived quality of healthcare by medical tourists.
Conclusions: Detailed information on demographic characteristics and medical needs of medical tourists is essential for the policy-makers to adapt their strategies towards promotion of MT.
Keywords :
Medical tourism , SERVQUAL , Health care services , Hospitals
