Designing an entrepreneurial model in medical tourism for hospitals in Tehran

Medical tourism involves a diverse array of stakeholders within the healthcare industry, enabling patients to seek cost-effective and high-quality medical services in foreign countries. Thus, this study aimed to develop an entrepreneurship model specific to medical tourism for both public and private hospitals in Tehran.

This mixed-method study was conducted in four stages: a literature review, semistructured interviews, an expert panel, and validation of the model. The model was validated using a sample size of 336 individuals from hospitals in Tehran. Data analysis included thematic analysis, validity and reliability measurements, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. SPSS-26, AMOS-24, and Maxqda 2020 software were used for analysis.

Results from the scoping review incorporated 27 articles and identified 21 subthemes. Subsequently, the study categorized findings into 61 subthemes and six main themes representing key entrepreneurship components in medical tourism. The expert panel substantiated these themes and subthemes toward initial model development. Questionnaire reliability was robust at α = 0.884, while content validity demonstrated high values of the content validity ratio (CVR) = 0.70 and Content Validity Index CVI = 0.86. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit with root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) =0.075.

Ultimately, policymakers play a pivotal role in cultivating an enabling environment for medical tourism through regulatory frameworks, fostering collaborations across public and private sectors, and institutionalizing the industry. Adequate allocation of financial and human resources, combined with fostering entrepreneurial and marketing adeptness within healthcare structures, is pivotal. Prioritizing these aspects can establish a sustainable medical tourism sector, satisfying manifold stakeholders and enriching the healthcare landscape significantly.