Medical Tourism and Aussie's Travel to Developing Countries for Care

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of medical tourism, specifically focusing on the trend of Australians seeking healthcare in developing countries. It begins with an introduction defining medical tourism and its background, highlighting the increasing number of Australians traveling abroad for affordable medical treatments. The report reviews existing literature, emphasizing the economic benefits of medical tourism for destination countries and the drivers behind this trend, such as cost savings, high-quality services, and shorter waiting times. It also addresses the risks associated with medical tourism, including potential infections, communication barriers, and legal issues. The research methodology is detailed, including the research design and philosophy employed. The report aims to explore the reasons for Australian medical tourism, identify barriers, consider potential risks, and offer recommendations to support informed decision-making. The findings are based on exploratory research design and interpretivism philosophy, highlighting the complexities of medical tourism and its implications for healthcare choices.

Proposal

Table of Contents
TITLE - “Medical tourism and Aussie’s travelling to developing countries for medical and health
care” ................................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Background.............................................................................................................................1
Literature review....................................................................................................................1
Aim and Objectives................................................................................................................3
Rational for the study ............................................................................................................4
Research methods...................................................................................................................4
Strengths and limitations of the proposed method ................................................................7
Value for undertaking this research........................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

TITLE - “Medical tourism and Aussie’s travelling to developing countries for
medical and health care”
INTRODUCTION
Medical tourism can be defined as the procedure of traveling outside the national
boundaries of residents for the purpose of getting better medical care on affordable prices.
Health tourism can also be described as a wider term for travel that emphasize on medial
treatments and utilization of health care services (Connell, 2016). It covers a wide area of health
oriented tourism ranging from high quality and preventive treatment to rehabilitation & curative
kinds of travel.
Background
There are many Australian who are traveling to various developing countries for medical
and health care due to cheap and affordable treatment. Most of the medical tourists are from
industrialized countries of the world such as Canada, United States, Britain, West Europe,
Australia. The destinations are chosen by the choice of vacationing and obtaining medical care at
affordable cost. But there are several tourists from developing countries like India, Malaysia,
Turkey, Brazil, Korea who are visiting different countries for medical tourism due to
inaccessibility of the experience surgeon, technology, illegal issues in their country tourism
(Béland and Zarzeczny, 2018). This research will focus on identifying the reasons why medial
tourism is growing with regards to Australian people. It will also provide a brief explanation
about various barriers that negatively affect their decisions to travel developing countries for
medical purposes.
Literature review
Medical tourism is very unique and popular topic of research specially in the context to
Australia and its citizens who often traveling to other countries in order to get treatment or health
care services. Medical tourist as a progressive economic strategy can create significant
contribution to the economy of medical tourism destination's economy. Hence, investing in the
medical industry is an effective method of increasing the gross domestic product, generate
foreign exchange, upgrade services and develop more favorable balance of trade situation along
with boosting tourism (Béland and Zarzeczny, 2018). Even though medial tourism is a growing
sector of global tourism, most are yet to understand it properly. Globalization within the health
care has brought the probability of medial tourism, where medial treatment can be offered
1

beyond a country's boundary. Medical professionals or specialists form each and every country
all over the world travel to developed nations for getting new technologies which can be applied
their medial services. According to Snyder and et.al., (2017), medical tourism is defined as the
procedure of traveling abroad for medical care and process generally due to certain medical
services are not available or are not in budget in their ow nation. Many countries have highly
observed the potential economic benefits and public health cost of medical tourism. A research
demonstrates that the present market size at between 60 to 80000 foreigners seeking medical
treatment across their national boundaries per year in the year 2012 (Weis, Sirard and Palmieri,
2017). Australia’s share of the global tourism market is 0.6% by visitors and 3.3% by visitor
expenditure, but Australia’s share of medical tourism market only around 0.001%(Béland and
Zarzeczny, 2018). The reasons for this important deviation are mainly lack of price
competitiveness and the intended quality improvement and government assist attained by
competitors. In the supply chain, there has been little for-purpose investment in infrastructure
and incompetent medical and other health workforce training historically, as well as little
development of commercial or regulatory assistants. These factors have prevented the emergence
of a coordinated industry with adequate critical mass to be globally competitive. The market is
unlikely to increase organically to such an extent where Australia will start experiencing
important capacity constraint problems or issues for domestic health and care services (Roy and
et.al., 2018).
Reasons for medical travel
The main reason for people traveling to foreign countries in order to get health care
services is generally the high quality of medial treatment but there are various other element
which also influence patients to travel abroad in order to get a medical aid. These elements can
be cost savings, unavailability of services, surgery methods or drugs in the country of origin,
long waiting list linked with suitable or appropriate medial treatment etc. Most observed reason
for people specially Australians to travel developing countries for treatment is affordable medical
care as compared to their home country. According to Gmelch and Kaul (2018), developing
countries such as India, Thailand are having effective medical industry which is providing very
affordable and helpful services or treatments to the patients. These services highly attract many
foreigners to visit and obtain significant treatment at relatively low prices. There are many such
reasons that attract people to travel other countries for medical purposes as discussed below -
2

 High quality medical services in low prices – The expansion and development of
medical tourism has resulted from the ability of a country to supply high quality medical
services at relatively more affordable prices (Weis, Sirard and Palmieri, 2017). Medical
visitors have enough resources for purchasing health-care in low cost medical tourism
destination but not sufficient in affording the same services within their home countries. Long waiting lists – Many patients are traveling to abroad for health care for receiving
timely treatment and avoid long waiting lists in their home country. Privacy and confidentiality -Many visitors also decide to get health care in a foreign
country due to the guarantee of privacy and confidentiality offered in a treatment abroad,
which is preferred by many people specially when undergoing treatment like plastic
surgery (Reason for medical travel, 2016).
Risk involved in medical tourism
Though there are many benefits such as high quality services, low cost etc, medical
tourism also have many risks involved which can also leads to death of a patient. The major risk
is infection, it is one of the biggest risk in medical tourism. Various parts of the worlds have
different standards for sanitation and medical services or facilities can be unsanitary. Bacterial
and viral infections are major risks, a patient can end up with serious disease such as HIV form
dirty surgical equipment and needles. Communication issues are another risks which can be a
barrier in obtaining good health care services. It a patient do not know language of the other
nation the risks are higher. It is difficult to communicate the health problems or ask for help if
something is wrong and misunderstanding can result in serious complications after treatments.
Another risk is Travel concerns, taking air travel flights can enhance the risks of blood clots
within the patients (Chee, 2017). Moreover, the accumulation of surgery and being fatigued or
stressed following long multi time zone airplane flights can form the risk even higher. Legal
issues are also problems associated with medical tourism, foreign medical facilities can make it
difficult for a patient to pursue a case, he or she may not have legal rights and may not be
capable to get compensation for a mishandled surgery.
Rational for the study
The researcher has a great interest in medical tourism as it is increasing day by day. Due
to the increasing cost medical treatments most of the people in developed countries are traveling
to small or developing nations to obtain health and medical care. It is important to understand the
3

reasons due to which people are traveling to other countries for medical treatment. This research
will also identify barriers that influence decisions of people in traveling to developing countries
for their treatment. Researcher also needs to understand the growing risks involved in medical
and health care tourism all round the world (Esiyok, Çakar and Kurtulmuşoğlu, 2017). The
growing demand of medical treatment and services many countries are highly investing in this
industry which is a effective strategy to generate high profit and improve economy of the
country. It was another important reason for the researcher to choose this particular topic and
examine every area related to medical tourism as well as factors that influence Australian people
to travel different developing countries in order to obtain low cost and effective medical
treatment or services. Examiner also needs to identify the barriers affecting Aussie's decision to
travel to other countries for medical purposes. It is also important to understand the reasons for
Australians to travel to developing countries for medical and health care along with the barriers
that negatively influence Australian's decisions to travel other countries for treatment (Bolton
and Skountridaki, 2017). Furthermore, researcher will also determine the various risks involved
in medical tourism and recommendations through which medical and health services can be
improved.
Aim and Objectives
The aim of the this proposed research is: Aim - “To explore the reason why Australians travel to
developing countries for medical purposes”
Alongside this primary aim, the research will also seek to : identify barriers and facilitators to Australians choosing to travel to other countries for
medical purposes. Consider potential risks involved in medical tourism.
 Provide recommendations to support Australians to make an informed choice on the
location of their health care
Research methods
Research methods are the various tools and techniques which are required to collect,
analyze and interpret data gathered for conducting a research on a specific topic or subject. The
research methods are very essential for getting appropriate outcomes from a study or
examination. A research study can be characterized as a systematic process of collecting and
analyzing data related to the chosen topic. These methods will help to identify the reasons
4

Australians travel to other countries for medical purposes. The various research methods which
will be used in this research to identify and understand reasons why Australians travel to
developing countries for medical purposes are as following - Research design – It can be defined as a logic or master plan for any kind of research that
focuses on the method to conduct a research. It represents the utilization of each and
every elements of a study that is essential for an examination for example treatments,
sample, programs, measures and so on. These elements altogether helps in addressing the
research objectives and aim. Research design is similar to an architectural outline, it can
also been observed as actualization of logic or idea in a set of activities that helps in
optimizing the validity of information for given research problem. There are mainly two
types of research design exploratory and descriptive (Litosseliti, 2018). In the present
study researcher will use exploratory design for collecting and analyzing data from a
specific phenomenon or population related to the medical tourism. Research philosophy – It is another essential part in an examination or study of a topic or
subject, it is a detailed description regarding the method in which information related to a
topic is required to be collected , analysed and used. There are different sorts of research
philosophies such as positivism, interpretivism, epistemology and ontology that helps in
selecting the most effective approach for a particular research study. Ontology research is
based on nature of reality which is further divided into subjectivism and objectivism.
Ontology philosophy is utilized by examiner to identify attitude and temperament.
Furthermore, epistemology is a type of philosophy that present acceptable knowledge
related to particular area or subject (Litosseliti, 2018). There two main components in this
philosophy known as resources and feelings in relation to the research. Another
philosophy is the realism philosophy which directly related to the scientific examination.
The major goal of this philosophy is to determine the facts or reality. Interpretivism
philosophy is also highly effective in a research, it is focused on the analysis of
differences between human and social factor. In the present research, examiner will
utilize interprevism philosophy that justify positive knowledge based on natural
phenomenon. In this particular philosophy, theories are time tested and results are
confirmed by the research.
5

 Research type – The research studies can be segmented according to the purpose and
nature of the examination, it is a scientific and systematic process of collecting data,
compilation, analysis, implication and interpretation with respect to a specific research
problem or issues. There are two main kinds of research Qualitative and Quantitative.
The qualitative research is related to meaningful information and values that generates
new ideas subjectively. On the other hand Quantitative research is based on numerical
information or data that consist quantifiable components. Both the types of research
depends upon the nature of a study or research. The purpose of a research can classify an
examination into two method Fundamental and Applied. The applied research assist in
solving a problem or issue by analyzing it form the point of single discipline.
Fundamental method on the other hand aims at resolving a issue by adding to the piece of
application of a discipline. In the present research examiner will use qualitative and
fundamental research types to obtain most appropriate and beneficial results from the
examination of the reason why Australians travel abroad or developing countries to get
medical aid. Data collection – It is very essential and important stage of a research, the examiner
needs to collect most reliable, relevant and valid data related to the topic selected through
various sources. Data analysis method refers to collecting data on the research subject in
a systematic manner. There are two types of data collection methods known as primary
and secondary data collection. Primary data collection refers to the way in which data is
collected from fresh and first hand resources which are not utilized by any other research
in a different examination. This kind of data collection method assists in collecting highly
reliable and valid data related to any subject or topic (Fletcher, 2017). On the other hand
secondary data collection refers to data which is already collected from different articles,
books and journals or previous studies on the similar subject. This type of information is
not much reliable and valid as it is already been used by different researchers or scholars.
In the present research examiner will used both primary and secondary data collection to
obtain most effective and useful information for achievement of research aim and
objectives. The data will be collected from 40 individuals who have traveled to other
countries for medical purposes through survey mentioned in Appendix.
6

 Sampling – It is very essential to choose or select a particular group of people to gather
essential primary information in a research. Sampling is one of the most important part or
method that helps in accomplishing the aim and objectives of an investigation. It helps in
reducing cost, time and other resources use in a search as the population or participants
are already selected and are limited. The data is gathered using different ways such as
interview, survey or polls through a particular sample of people who can potentially
provide most relevant data related to a study. There are two main types of sampling
Probability and non probability sampling, in probability type of sampling each and every
respondents has identified chances of being selected. On the other hand non-probability
sampling is a method in which there is no probability of participants to get selected in a
sample for research. In the present study probability sampling will be utilized in order to
gather most applicable data related to the research topic by selecting a sample of 40
individuals who have traveled to developing countries for medical purposes. The
respondents are recruited using online sources such as emails to patients.
 Ethical consideration – Ethical considerations can be defined as a important part of each
and every research. It highly affects a study negatively and positively, the different
ethical considerations in research study are as following -
1. Respect for the dignity of research participants must be a key priority
2. Participants in a research should not be subjected to any harm in any ways.
3. It is necessary to insure the security of privacy related research participants.
4. Competent level of confidentiality of the research data must be assured.
5. Any kind of misleading or wrong information and representation of primary data
collection in a biased manner should be avoided (Fletcher, 2017).
In order to address each and every ethical consideration effectively researcher will focus
on voluntary participation of respondents by giving them rights to withdraw from the research
study. Examiner will also ensure that use of discriminatory, offensive or other unacceptable
language is avoided in formulation of question in the survey.
Strengths and limitations of the proposed method
Qualitative research focuses less on counting numbers of individuals who behave and
thinks in certain manner and give more emphasis on explaining the reason people think so. This
7

kind of research is very effective and best utilized for answering how and why questions, it is not
suited to general what, who and when questions.
Strengths
Strengths of this research is a huge amount of information on medical tourism, it is a
topic that is gaining attention of many researchers. The other strong element of this research is
large number of participants through which data can be collected, this is due to the reason that
there are many Australians who travel to abroad for medical purposes.
 Multiple methods for collecting data on critical topics or subjects
 Provides more detailed data or information for explaining complex problems or issues.
 Data collection is cost efficient Refine and complement data
Limitations
Limitations of this research is that primary data can be collected only through patients
who travel to other countries for medical treatment. Another limitation is lack of time to
complete research.
 Analysis is more difficult, do not neatly fit in standard categories
 Collection of data is generally time consuming
 The research findings can not be generalized to the study community or population
Value for undertaking this research
The research was important for building knowledge and facilitating learning among
students and academics in contest to medical tourism. This study can help in determining the
increasing reasons of people traveling to different countries to get medical aid. The research also
provides a good understanding of various risk involved in medical tourism as well as ways in
which medical services can be improved in Australia. In this particular research views and
thoughts of many patients are accumulated that may helps to make effective changes in medical
organizations. The results of this examination can be used by many health care organizations for
improving their service or treatments.
8

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Béland, D. and Zarzeczny, A., 2018. Medical tourism and national health care systems: an
institutionalist research agenda. Globalization and health, 14(1), p.68.
Bolton, S. and Skountridaki, L., 2017. The medical tourist and a political economy of
care. Antipode, 49(2), pp.499-516.
Chee, H.L., Whittaker, A. and Yeoh, B.S., 2017. International medical travel and the politics of
transnational mobility in Asia.Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 58(2), pp.129-135.
Connell, J., 2016. Medical tourism: Sea, sun, sand and… surgery. Tourism management, 27(6),
pp.1093-1100.
Chongsuvivatwong V, Phua KH, Yap MT, Pocock NS, Hashim JH, Chhem R, Wilopo SA,
Lopez AD: Health and health-care systems in southeast Asia: diversity and transitions.
Lancet. 2011, 377 (9763): 429-37. 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61507-3.
Esiyok, B., Çakar, M. and Kurtulmuşoğlu, F.B., 2017. The effect of cultural distance on medical
tourism. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 6(1), pp.66-75.
Fletcher, A.J., 2017. Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets
method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 20(2), pp.181-194.
Gmelch, S.B. and Kaul, A., 2018. Tourists and tourism: A reader. Waveland Press.
Hazarika I: Medical tourism: its potential impact on the health workforce and health systems in
India. Health Policy and Planning. 2010, 25: 248-251. 10.1093/heapol/czp050.
Johnson TJ, Garman AN (2010) Impact of medical travel on imports and exports of medical
services. Health Policy 98: 171–177.
Johnston R, Crooks VA, Snyder J, Kingsbury P (2010) What is known about the effects of
medical tourism in destination and departure countries? A scoping review. International
Journal for Equity in Health 9: (3 November 2010).
Litosseliti, L. ed., 2018. Research methods in linguistics. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Roy, J., Chatterjee, K., Bandyopadhyay, A. and Kar, S., 2018. Evaluation and selection of
medical tourism sites: A rough analytic hierarchy process based multi‐attributive border
approximation area comparison approach. Expert Systems,35(1), p.e12232.
9

Snyder, J., Johnston, R., Crooks, V.A., Morgan, J. and Adams, K., 2017. How medical tourism
enables preferential access to care: Four patterns from the Canadian context.Health Care
Analysis, 25(2), pp.138-150.
Weis, J.L., Sirard, R.B. and Palmieri, P.A., 2017. Medical tourism: the role of the primary care
provider. BJGP Open, pp.BJGP-2016.
Online
Reason for medical travel. 2016. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.careaccess.eu/reasons-for-medical-travel/>.
10

PPENDIX
The below mentioned survey is used to find the quantitative responses of the tourists and
clients about medical tourism.
MEDICAL TOURISM SATISFACTION SURVEY
Take a medical tourism survey and get a chance to win great offers
*10 lucky winners can win $500 worth gift cards
1. Mention your first and last name?
2. Which of the following best describes your current occupation?
 Business men or women
 Professional
 Government Official
 Unemployed
 Home care
3. What is the reason for choosing medical treatment outside the home
country?
 Long waiting time in Home country
 Combining with relaxing holiday
 Cost competitive advantage
 The lure of new and different
 Poor medical treatments in home country
4. What is the Medical treatment you have undergone in tourist country?
 Orthopedics 
 Cardio 
 Ophthalmology treatment 
 Dental care 
 Neuro 
 Cosmetics surgery
 Other (please specify)
11

5. How would you rate the value for money of the medical tourism services?
 Excellent
 Above average
 Average
 Below average
 Poor
6. Which country do you prefer for medical tourism?
 India
 Thailand
 Malaysia
 Mexico
 Costa Rica
 Turkey
 Other (please specify)
7. How responsive doctors and nurses have been to your questions or
concerns about your health conditions and treatment?
 Extremely responsive
 Very responsive
 Somewhat responsive
 Not so responsive
 Not at all responsive
 Not applicable
8. Which of the following words would you use to describe medical tourism
experience? Select all that apply.
 Reliable
 High quality
 Useful
 Unique
 Good value for money
 Overpriced
 Impractical
12

 Ineffective
 Poor quality
 Unreliable
9. Do you think Australian medical industry needs improvement
 Yes
 No
10.How likely is it that you would recommend medical tourism to a friend or
colleague?
Not at all likely Extremely likely
Not at
all likely
- 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Extremely
likely - 10
13