|
A comprehensive model for the development of the health tourism industry in Iran with emphasis on border areas
|
Freyedon Ahmadi1    , Anvar Ebrahimi2 , Ali Badizadeh3 |
1- Associate Professor, Department of Management, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2- PhD Candidate, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Qazvin Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
3- Associate Professor, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Qazvin Azad University, Qazvin, Iran , abadi zadeh@gmail.com |
|
|
Abstract: (190 Views) |
Background and Aim: Health tourism is a major branch of international tourism that has attracted considerable attention from many developed countries due to its significant contribution to foreign exchange earnings and economic growth. The present study aimed to design a suitable model for the development of the health tourism industry and present it to the target community.
Materials and Methods: Based on its objective, the present study is developmental. In terms of data collection, it employs an exploratory descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data required for developing and ultimately validating the proposed model were collected through interviews with 20 experts who had relevant knowledge and expertise in the subject. It should be noted that the Delphi technique was used to reach the consensus of experts, and the AMOS software was used to validate the designed model.
Results: The results of this study revealed several weaknesses in structural factors, including a lack of dynamic organizational structures, inadequate structural monitoring, and insufficient control mechanisms. Weaknesses in behavioral factors, including poor interactions between healthcare staff and foreign patients and the provision of substandard healthcare services to foreign patients, as well as environmental factors, such as inadequate capacity to accommodate foreign patients and limited adaptability to environmental changes, have hindered the effective utilization of health tourism capacities in border areas.
Conclusion: The main findings of this study indicate that strengthening structural, behavioral, and environmental factors, particularly in border areas, and developing an effective model to demonstrate the impact of these factors on the development of health tourism and their relationship with healthcare sector processes and outcomes can enhance the benefits of health tourism. These benefits include job creation and the retention of specialized healthcare personnel in border areas. |
|
| Keywords: Behavioral factors, Border areas, Environmental factors, Health tourism, Structural factors |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 815 kb]
(79 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Human Sciences
Received: 2021/10/1 | Accepted: 2021/11/21 | Published: 2026/09/26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
