Research on the Model of Cross-Border Medical Tourism Decision-Making under the Background of Globalization

Abstract

With the help of the wave of globalization, the new industry market is constantly emerging, showing a clear trend of “reverse globalization”. Among them, cross-border medical tourism and related industries are particularly effective. The flow of cross-border medical tourism patients has changed dramatically. What is the development of international medical tourism industry? Which factors make the “reverse globalization” phenomenon occur on cross-border medical tourism? How do patients decide their medical tourism destination? This paper based on the analysis of relevant literatures and the development of international medical tourism industry, tries to summarize cross-border medical tourism decision-making process, and develops a two-stage model for cross-border medical tourism. Through the analysis of the decision-making process of cross-border medical tourism, this paper considers that a country’s economic level, political climate and regulatory policies are important factors influencing people’s choice of cross-border medical tourism destinations. We also argue that medical treatment cost, hospital accreditation, quality of care, and physician experience influence patients’ choice of medical facility.