A Comprehensive Investigation on the Determinant Factors of Cultural Competency on Native Physician-Medical Tourists Interactions: A Case of South Korea

Medical tourism as a service sector has brought authorities to a position in which they are required to revise their innovative competitive advantages. Non-clinical services are likely to be efficient to respond the demands in medical tourism. Doctor-patient interactions, is one of the most efficient strategy to deliver non-clinical services. Level of cultural competency can address the need of culturally appropriate service. Hence, it is essential to examine the determinants of cultural competency in medical tourism. In this study, an exploratory approach through a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was adopted. The research was conducted in three main phases. The common point among the participants in 3 phases was to be active in the medical tourism. Results were reported based on the aims of study, the barriers of medical tourism development in Korea were reported, a framework of cultural competence delivery was developed. It was followed by expert’s confirmation and finally the construct of the framework was tested. Delivering cultural competence in medical tourism would not occur appropriately unless a systematic combination of personal characteristics, external supports, and skillful abilities are established. Therefore, it is essential for authorities to focus on the workforce improvement in medical tourism. Besides, those individuals working in this domain are required to provide personal attempt, commitment, desire and abilities to adopt the best of their knowledge.