Assessment of Readiness for Attracting Medical Tourists in the Hospital Setting: A Survey in Western Iran

Zahra  Shoara; Jamil  Sadeghifar; Khalil  Momeni; Mohammad  Bazyar; Rahim  Khodayari- Zarnaq; Maryam  Heydari

doi:10.18502/htaa.v9i1.17862

Zahra Shoara Department of Health Economics and Management, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
Jamil Sadeghifar Department of Health Economics and Management, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
Khalil Momeni Department of Health Economics and Management, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
Mohammad Bazyar Department of Health Economics and Management, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
Rahim Khodayari- Zarnaq Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Maryam Heydari Department of International patient, Deputy of Treatment, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v9i1.17862

Keywords: Hospital; Medical Tourism; International Patients Department; Ilam

Abstract

Background: Efficient utilization of hospital beds is a key priority for healthcare systems today. Leveraging the potential of medical tourism can serve as a significant strategy in this regard.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of hospitals in Ilam city to attract medical tourists.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among educational and private hospitals in the center of Ilam province in 2023. Data were collected using a standard checklist designed to evaluate the International Patient Department (IPD), comprising 66 questions across five domains. The checklist was completed through observation, interviews, and a review of available documents. Data analysis was conducted using frequency and percentage distribution tables, means, and standard deviations in Excel software.

Results: The highest readiness score for obtaining a license to establish an International Patient Department was achieved by Kowsar Private Hospital, with a score of 198. The lowest score was recorded at Razi Public Hospital, with a score of 119. Overall, none of the hospitals studied reached the cutoff score of 227 (65%).

Conclusions: The results indicate that all the hospitals studied are currently in an unacceptable state of readiness to attract medical tourists. Establishing International Patient Departments should be a top priority for improving hospital efficiency and fostering the growth of medical tourism.