The role of digital health platforms in healthcare tourism: Comparative review

The total number of medical tourists has been rising, especially over the last few years, so the healthcare tourism industry has been expanding quickly. Accordingly, it is essential to periodically assess the variables influencing the decision to travel. Thus, the aim of this research is to investigate the role of digital healthcare platforms in healthcare tourism from the point of view of healthcare providers and users. In this study, patients who were traveling for medical treatment completed a survey that examined the perspectives of users. Moreover, by analyzing 148 features and functionalities across 33 platforms, the perspectives of healthcare providers were investigated. The overall results revealed that the functioning of digital healthcare platforms play an important role in the growth of healthcare tourism due to the fact that they engage with abroad patients and create relationships with them. In consequence of their numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals these platforms were observed to have a major role in promoting the growth of healthcare tourism by enhancing accessibility, communication, transparency, and the overall patient experience. These platforms make it easier for patients to seek medical care overseas rather than their home nation, contributing to the globalization of healthcare services. Accordingly, the study recommends ways for developing such types of platforms implementing suitable communication strategies to boost the growth of healthcare tourism.