Indonesian Medical Tourists: Rationale and Preferences in Malaysia

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Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Intra-Regional Medical Tourism Demand in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study of Indonesian Medical Tourists’ Rationale and Preferences
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Nur Adilah MD ZAIN, John CONNELL, Mohd Salehuddin MOHD ZAHARI, Mohd Hafiz HANAFIAH


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Intra-Regional Medical Tourism Demand in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study of Indonesian Medical Tourists’ Rationale and Preferences

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.2.13

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This study aims to explore the demand for medical tourism services among Indonesian tourists in Malaysia, specifically focusing on their profiles and motivations for choosing Malaysia for medical treatments. The research highlights the role of Malaysia’s well-developed healthcare infrastructure, which attracts a significant number of Indonesian patients seeking specialized medical care. As medical tourism continues to grow, understanding the underlying factors that drive this trend is essential for enhancing marketing strategies and healthcare policy in the region.

Key Motivational Factors: Push and Pull Dynamics

The research identifies various push and pull factors influencing Indonesian medical tourists' decisions. Push factors encompass the inadequate quality of healthcare services in Indonesia, including poor patient experiences, long waiting times, and perceived incompetence of local medical practitioners. As a result of these frustrations, many patients seek medical treatment abroad. Conversely, the pull factors that attract them to Malaysia include recommendations from family and friends, the reputation of Malaysian hospitals for specialized care, and the overall quality of healthcare services. The National Heart Institute (IJN) stands out as a prominent choice due to its transparency, professional administration, and the high quality of medical care offered.

Conclusion

The findings reveal that Indonesian medical tourists predominantly belong to the middle to high-income group, often supported by positive testimonials from previous patients. Their decision-making process is complex, driven by the interplay of push and pull factors that inform their healthcare choices. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of enhancing Malaysia's appeal as a medical tourism destination through continued improvements in service quality, transparency, and targeted marketing efforts to meet the needs of international patients. By addressing these factors, Malaysia can sustain and grow its position in the competitive medical tourism market.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the aim of this medical tourism study?

The study aims to explore the demand for medical tourism services among Indonesian tourists in Malaysia, investigating their profiles and treatment preferences.

What were the main findings about Indonesian medical tourists?

Indonesian medical tourists are motivated by dissatisfaction with local medical care. They seek better expertise, transparency, and administrative efficiency in Malaysia, often relying on peer recommendations.

What factors influence Indonesian tourists choosing Malaysia for treatment?

Key factors include personal experiences in Indonesia, credible recommendations from friends, and the reputation of Malaysian medical facilities, particularly for specialized treatments like cardiac care.

What implications does this study have for medical tourism policy?

The findings can guide medical tourism policymakers in Malaysia to enhance marketing strategies, improve service quality, and develop targeted outreach efforts to attract Indonesian patients.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Indonesian Medical Tourists: Rationale and Preferences in Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' refers to a systematic investigation aimed at discovering and expanding knowledge on specific topics, such as medical tourism. In this context, it underscores the research conducted to understand Indonesian tourists' motivations and demographics regarding medical treatments, significantly impacting how services are marketed and provided effectively.

2) Quality:
In this context, 'quality' pertains to the standard of medical care provided in Malaysia compared to Indonesia. It highlights the importance of medical expertise, technology, and patient satisfaction in attracting medical tourists, indicating that these factors play a significant role in individuals' healthcare decisions internationally.

3) Visit:
'Visit' refers to the act of traveling to a location for a specific purpose, which in this case is medical treatment. It emphasizes the experience of Indonesian tourists seeking healthcare services in Malaysia, focusing on motivations and expectations that shape their travel intentions and hospital choices.

4) Family:
'Family' is vital in the narrative, as individuals often rely on their relatives for recommendations and advice about medical tourism. Family recommendations significantly influence medical tourists' decisions, providing a sense of reassurance and trust when selecting healthcare providers in foreign countries.

5) Musha (Musa, Musá):
'Musa' is a recurring surname in academic references within the text, linking to research and perspectives shared by individuals studying medical tourism. It highlights the collaborative nature of research studies and emphasizes the contributions of various scholars in understanding healthcare dynamics, particularly in Malaysia.

6) Developing:
The term 'developing' is crucial in understanding contexts where healthcare systems are evolving. It refers to countries like Indonesia, emphasizing the disparities in medical facilities compared to developed nations. This label reflects economic status, healthcare access issues, and the resulting impetus for seeking treatments abroad.

7) Language:
'Language' plays a significant role in medical tourism by affecting communication, understanding, and comfort for medical tourists. Proficiency in local languages attracts tourists by easing the process of seeking medical care. It emphasizes the need for multilingual services in accommodating diverse patient populations.

8) Perception:
'Perception' relates to how Indonesian medical tourists view healthcare quality, service delivery, and their experiences in foreign countries. Positive perceptions foster trust and influence the choice of destination, while negative experiences in domestic healthcare highlight disparities driving individuals to seek treatment elsewhere.

9) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to the practice of diagnosing and treating illnesses. The term denotes the importance of medical services, specialty areas, and the advancements that attract medical tourists to seek treatments abroad, particularly in cardiology and specialized care in Malaysia.

10) India:
'India' is mentioned in the context of medical tourism, often compared with Malaysia regarding healthcare services. It reflects the competitive nature of medical tourism where different nations vie to attract medical tourists, showcasing their unique specialties and cost-effective treatments aimed at diverse patients.

11) Radiotherapy:
'Radiotherapy' is a specific medical treatment often discussed in the context of cancer care. It highlights the complexity of treatment options available to medical tourists in Malaysia, presenting it as a destination for critical medical procedures that are not readily available or reliable in their home countries.

12) Reason:
'Reason' addresses the motivations behind individuals choosing to travel for healthcare. It encompasses the various push and pull factors, such as dissatisfaction with local medical services, personal recommendations, and the availability of specialized care that influence the decision-making process for medical tourists.

13) Cina:
'China' references the broader context of Asian health tourism markets alongside countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. It provides a comparative framework indicating how different countries engage in medical tourism, highlighting varying levels of health service quality and accessibility for potential tourists.

14) Tai:
'Thai' refers to Thailand, a well-known medical tourism destination known for its healthcare offerings. Its inclusion in discussions about healthcare choices emphasizes regional competition, showcasing how Thailand's strategies and services compare to those of Malaysia in attracting international patients.

15) Relative:
'Relative' is significant in describing social ties and connections that influence medical tourism decisions. Family members' experiences and advice form a key underpinning to choices made by medical tourists, showcasing how interpersonal relationships affect healthcare journeys across borders.

16) Cancer:
'Cancer' highlights a specific area of medical treatment where patients often seek advanced therapies available abroad. This underscores the urgency and complexity involved in healthcare decisions among medical tourists targeting specialized treatments, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the global medical tourism arena.

17) Cham:
'Cham' is a reference to an academic figure mentioned in the context of researching medical tourism. Similar to other names, it points out the collaborative efforts among scholars focusing on various aspects of healthcare services, emphasizing the academic exploration of trends, practices, and patient experiences.

18) Ting:
'Ting' is another scholarly reference indicating contributions to the discourse on medical tourism. It connects to research and analytical perspectives that shed light on motivations and trends shaping patient decisions, reinforcing the collaborative nature of healthcare research in the region.

19) Post:
'Post' can refer to post-treatment experiences or follow-up care that medical tourists seek after receiving procedures. It reflects the importance of ongoing care and patient satisfaction in discussions related to medical tourism, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare beyond initial treatments.

20) Arrangement:
'Arrangement' refers to the structured planning and organization necessary for medical tourism. It encompasses travel logistics, hospital scheduling, and coordination of care that are critical to ensuring positive experiences for medical tourists navigating healthcare services in foreign environments.

21) Discussion:
'Discussion' references the critical examination and dialogue around medical tourism trends, patient motivations, and healthcare services. It implies the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders to explore the implications of medical tourism and improve strategies to accommodate the needs of international patients.

22) Table:
'Table' relates to the presentation of data in an organized format that summarizes findings related to medical tourism. It indicates the use of statistical analysis to visualize information, providing clarity on key factors influencing patient decisions and experiences in cross-border healthcare.

23) Money:
'Money' is central to discussions of medical tourism, reflecting the financial aspects that motivate travel for healthcare services. It points to cost considerations influencing decisions, highlighting contrasts in treatment affordability between countries and the economic implications of health spending for patients.

24) Hand:
'Hand' might symbolize assistance and care received by medical tourists during their healthcare journey. It signifies the importance of supportive services offered by healthcare providers, fusing compassion with professional service delivery that enhances the overall patient experience.

25) Performance:
'Performance' relates to the quality of healthcare services received by medical tourists. It encompasses the evaluation of medical providers based on success rates, patient outcomes, and satisfaction, key indicators in attracting repeat visitors and building positive reputation in the medical tourism landscape.

26) Bioethics:
'Bioethics' deals with ethical considerations in the medical field, especially pertinent in discussions of medical tourism where patients opt for treatments in different legal and ethical environments. It highlights the importance of transparent practices that protect patients' rights and informed consent in diverse healthcare systems.

27) Education:
'Education' refers to the necessity for informed decision-making among medical tourists regarding their healthcare options. It emphasizes the role of knowledge dissemination on medical services, expected treatment outcomes, and preparation for travel, which influences patients' assessments of destinations and treatment providers.

28) Disease:
'Disease' encompasses the various health conditions that lead individuals to seek medical treatment abroad. It emphasizes the complexity of patient needs and the variety of treatments required, shaping the services that medical tourism destinations, like Malaysia, aim to provide effectively and compassionately.

29) Citizen:
'Citizen' relates to the rights and responsibilities of individuals within national healthcare systems. It highlights the exploration of how local citizens perceive healthcare services and the implications that have on decisions regarding medical tourism, especially in cross-border contexts.

30) Account:
'Account' may relate to the responsibility or transparency of healthcare practices. It underscores the importance of ethical considerations and standard practices that ensure patient rights are upheld during treatment, especially in environments with various regulatory frameworks that affect medical tourism.

31) Science (Scientific):
'Science' pertains to the evidence-based medical practices that inform healthcare decisions in the realm of medical tourism. It underscores the reliance on clinical research and technological advancements to attract patients seeking reliable and scientifically-backed medical treatments abroad.

32) Shukla (Sukla):
'Shukla' denotes an academic contributor within the text’s references, emphasizing the collaborative nature of knowledge generation regarding medical tourism. It denotes the involvement of diverse scholars to bring comprehensive insight into the dynamics of healthcare practices across regions.

33) Saxena (Sakshena, Saksena):
'Saxena' refers to another scholarly figure mentioned in the list of authors contributing to the study. The name highlights the role of multiple researchers in investigating trends and insights into medical tourism, reinforcing the critical examination of varied patient experiences in healthcare.

34) Matta (Mattam):
'Matta' indicates a collaborative academic individual whose work contributes to the overarching discussions on healthcare practices and medical tourism. It highlights the relevance of diverse viewpoints and findings in understanding the intricacies of international patient experiences in Malaysia.

35) Delhi:
'Delhi' serves as a geographic reference point within discussions of medical tourism, framing the perspectives of healthcare services in urban settings. It signifies the urban-rural dynamics affecting healthcare options and patient decisions in the broader context of regional medical tourism.

36) Varga:
'Varga' is a name likely indicating a researcher whose contributions are acknowledged in the text. It underscores the collaborative nature of medical tourism research, signifying a network of professionals working together to enhance the body of knowledge regarding healthcare tourism.

37) Alavi:
'Alavi' is a reference to another contributor within the academic discourse surrounding medical tourism. This inclusion reflects the diversity of scholarly input necessary for a well-rounded understanding of patient behaviors, decision-making, and the evolving healthcare landscape across borders.

38) Pasha (Pasa):
'Pasha' references another academic contributor, reiterating the collaborative efforts involved in studying medical tourism. It signifies the need for collective research endeavours to comprehensively address the multifaceted experiences of medical tourists and transform service delivery in the healthcare industry.

39) Trade:
'Trade' refers to the economic exchange associated with medical tourism, where healthcare services are marketed and offered across borders. It emphasizes the interplay of healthcare quality, cost, and accessibility in shaping patients’ decisions to seek medical treatment outside their home countries.

40) Doshin (Dosin, Dosi, Doshi):
'Doshi' denotes a scholarly reference that reinforces the collaborative research perspective in understanding medical tourism. It highlights the cross-disciplinary nature of healthcare studies necessary for comprehensive examinations of patient needs, experiences, and the evolving nature of medical services globally.

41) Busi:
'Busi' refers to a surname likely connected to individuals that contribute to the findings discussed on medical tourism. It points to shared academic efforts in analyzing the dynamics of patient experiences and enhancing the understanding of tourism interactions within healthcare contexts.

42) Ajar:
'Ajar' references a notion of openness, particularly in terms of access to healthcare services. It implies the importance of being transparent and responsive within the medical tourism sector, facilitating meaningful connections between patients and healthcare providers across national borders.

43) Sage:
'Sage' indicates wisdom or reflective knowledge essential in addressing challenges in medical tourism. It underscores the importance of informed decisions based on accumulated expertise and experiences that guide medical tourists in navigating the options available for healthcare services.

44) Wall:
'Wall' can symbolize barriers within the context of medical tourism, which may include cultural, linguistic, and financial impediments that deter patients from seeking care abroad. It emphasizes the need for addressing such barriers to make healthcare more accessible to international patients.

45) Drug:
'Drug' emphasizes the significance of pharmaceuticals in medical tourism, as the availability and quality of medication play key roles in treatment outcomes. It highlights patients’ concerns regarding drug efficacy and safety that inform their decisions to seek treatment in different countries.

46) Pur:
'Poor' relates to the perceptions of healthcare quality experienced in one's home country. It signals dissatisfaction with local healthcare systems, which pushes individuals towards seeking better medical alternatives abroad, pressuring service providers to improve standards and accessibility.

47) Chan:
'Chan' refers to another scholarly contributor within the referenced works discussing medical tourism dynamics. This inclusion reinforces the collaborative nature of research aimed at improving understanding and facilitating a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of medical tourists.

48) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
'Transformed' relates to the significant changes within healthcare delivery systems driven by the influx of medical tourists. It highlights the evolution of services offered, reflecting the dynamic nature of medical tourism as countries adapt to meet emerging patient needs and preferences.

49) Surrounding:
'Surrounding' relates to the broader context including cultural, social, and environmental factors influencing medical tourism. It indicates the importance of understanding how these elements impact patients' experiences and decisions when seeking treatment options in foreign countries.

50) Reliability:
'Reliability' emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness in healthcare services accessed by medical tourists. It underscores the critical aspect of consistent quality and responsiveness from healthcare providers that influence patient decisions and promote ongoing relationships between treatment facilities and patients.

51) Observation:
'Observation' refers to the act of monitoring and evaluating patient experiences within the medical tourism context. It indicates the necessity for healthcare providers to pay attention to patient feedback and adapt services to enhance satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

52) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' pertains to the essential information that influences decisions made by medical tourists. It underscores the role of well-informed patients in making choices concerning their healthcare and how access to relevant information contributes to improved experiences and outcomes.

53) Attending:
'Attending' highlights the importance of participation in follow-up care and consultations for medical tourists. It signifies the continuous relationship between patients and healthcare providers aimed at ensuring health concerns are adequately addressed post-treatment.

54) Gathering:
'Gathering' refers to the assembly of data and information crucial for understanding trends in medical tourism. It emphasizes the significance of collecting insights and experiences from various stakeholders to foster improvements in the healthcare sector serving international patients.

55) Epidemic:
'Epidemic' discusses health crises that impact healthcare accessibility and patient decisions regarding travel for treatment. It underscores the potential risks medical tourists face during outbreaks, influencing their choices about where and when to seek medical services.

56) Activity:
'Activity' encompasses the various engagements and actions undertaken by medical tourists, both in seeking treatment and participating in tourism. It highlights the integration of healthcare with leisure and cultural experiences, promoting a holistic view of medical travel.

57) Training:
'Training' relates to the professional development of healthcare providers to meet the demands of international patients. It underscores the necessity for ongoing education in medical practices to uphold quality standards and ensure competent delivery of care to medical tourists.

58) Emerald:
'Emerald' serves as branding or identity linked to institutions that focus on research and knowledge dissemination in the medical tourism sector. It emphasizes the role of academic contributions in enhancing the understanding of healthcare services offered to international patients.

59) Meeting:
'Meeting' refers to the collaborative discussions among healthcare providers, researchers, and stakeholders concerning medical tourism. It emphasizes the necessity for dialogue to explore best practices, share insights, and develop strategies to enhance patient experiences and service delivery.

60) Dealing:
'Dealing' pertains to the interactions and negotiations that occur in the context of medical tourism. It underscores the importance of effective communication and understanding in the relationships between medical tourists and healthcare providers, impacting overall satisfaction and decisions made.

61) Nature:
'Nature' refers to the inherent characteristics and qualities of the medical tourism industry. Understanding these elements is essential in recognizing how they influence patient choices, service improvement, and the dynamics of healthcare practices across the landscape of medical tourism.

62) Labour (Labor):
'Labour' addresses the workforce involved in the medical tourism sector, emphasizing the skills and competencies required to provide quality care. It highlights the importance of trained professionals in facilitating successful medical tourism experiences for international patients.

63) Desire:
'Desire' pertains to the motivation driving individuals to pursue medical treatment abroad. It encapsulates the aspiration for better healthcare services and the search for effective treatments that lead to the decision to travel for medical care across borders.

64) Kappa:
'Kappa' refers to a statistical measure used to assess the reliability and consistency of survey results or data interpretation. It signifies the academic rigor applied in evaluating findings, ensuring that conclusions drawn about medical tourism are valid and replicable.

65) Field:
'Field' refers to the domain of medical tourism encompassing various elements such as patient experiences, healthcare services, and market dynamics. Understanding this field is crucial for identifying trends and improving services catered to international patients seeking medical treatment.

66) Mara:
'Mara' may refer to the research institution or collaborative framework that supports studies on medical tourism. It underscores the involvement of academic and research bodies in contributing to the body of knowledge surrounding healthcare practices and patient engagement in the tourism sector.

67) Visha (Visa):
'Visa' pertains to the legal documentation required for international travel, influencing the decision to seek medical treatment abroad. It underscores the regulatory aspects of medical tourism, affecting accessibility to healthcare services based on policies governing the movement of patients across borders.

68) Java:
'Java' references Indonesia’s well-known island, significant in geographical discussions about medical tourism. It highlights the regional dynamics affecting healthcare access for residents and the implications for those seeking treatments in nearby countries like Malaysia, illustrating the demographic trends in medical tourism.

69) Food:
'Food' signifies the dietary considerations and culinary experiences encountered by medical tourists during their travels. It reflects the broader cultural context that shapes patient experiences, emphasizing the role of local cuisine in enhancing overall comfort and satisfaction during medical journeys.

70) Line:
'Line' may refer to a point of connection between patients and healthcare providers. It captures the essence of communication channels established for facilitating medical tourism processes from inquiries to treatment arrangements, highlighting the importance of accessibility and responsiveness in care.

71) Pir:
'Peer' references social connections and relationships that influence medical tourism decisions. The influence of peer experiences and recommendations underscores the impact of social networks on individuals' choices in seeking medical care abroad, enriching the understanding of patient motivations.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Indonesian Medical Tourists: Rationale and Preferences in Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Indonesia, Medical treatment, Economic development, Waiting time, Cultural factors, Decision-making process, Medical examination, Medical practice, High quality, Medical facilities, Data collection, Healthcare system, Medical advice, Health care, Socioeconomic status, Medical care, Economic growth, Southeast Asia, Data analysis, Low cost, Private sector, Thematic analysis, Economic benefit, Bypass surgery, Infertility treatment, Medical tourism, Public Private Partnership, Health policy, Dental care, Health care system, Healthcare Facilities, Fertility treatment, Healthcare delivery, Public healthcare, Healthcare sector, Conceptual model, Low- and middle-income countries, Cancer treatment, Ethical approval, Unnecessary medication, Patient satisfaction, Health service, Health problem, Patient Confidentiality, Cosmetic surgery, Clinical outcome, Private hospital, Quality of care, Treatment cost, Government agencies, Medical personnel, Cost Saving, Cost considerations, Elective surgery, Study Limitation, Healthcare professional, Long waiting time, Economic significance, Hospital services, Medical cost, Strategic plan, PUSH FACTORS, PULL FACTORS, Dental Treatment, Service quality, Medical procedure, Quality treatment, Standard of care, High income countries, Low income countries, Stem cell treatment, Consumer perception, Dental Tourism, Affordable medical treatment, Cosmetic surgery market, Economic incentive, Local population, Tourism industry, Healthcare service, Social challenge, Religious factor, Treatment services.

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