Outbound medical tourists from China: An update on motivations, deterrents, and needs

Abstract

This is an exploratory study to identify Chinese perspectives on motivations, deterrents, and needs of outbound medical tourists using qualitative methods. Data were collected from participants through in-depth interviews. Research findings show there is varying urgency at the preliminary motivation stage according to different types of medical tourism. The specific motivations are advanced technology, unavailable or better quality Western medicine, wellregulated and supervised market, and the quality of care. The deterrents include high cost, risk to individual health, lack of information, absence of companion, and lack of time. The corresponding needs are health insurance, clear information, and intermediary agency. The implication of the findings for international healthcare management, travel patients, and future research is also discussed. However, existing previous research mainly focus on Westerners (the USA and Europe) and few studies have been undertaken in Asian or even China. This is, therefore, a key contribution of this article as it generates knowledge about China, which is a major market that has not yet been thoroughly studied. The research findings serve as references for the planning and management of international healthcare organizations focused on outbound patients from China.