The effect of artificial intelligence applications in medical tourism on health professionals' cultural competence levels

This study aims to determine the effect of artificial intelligence applications in medical tourism on the cultural competence levels of healthcare professionals. The universe of the study consisted of healthcare professionals working as physicians, nurses, and medical tourism professionals in private hospitals licensed for international medical tourism in Istanbul. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 400 medical tourism professionals. With regard to the results obtained, the impact of healthcare professionals' perceptions of artificial intelligence applications on maintaining health is significant on cultural sensitivity (P<.01). At the same time, the impact of healthcare professionals' perceptions of artificial intelligence applications in spiritual entertainment is significant on cultural skills, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity (P<.01). The level of impact is positive. On the other hand, the impact of healthcare professionals' perceptions of AI applications in tourism transportation on cultural skills, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity is significant (P<.01). The level of impact is negative. In addition, the impact of healthcare professionals' perceptions of artificial intelligence applications in tourism accommodation on cultural skills, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity is significant (P<.01). The impact level is positive. Furthermore, the impact of healthcare professionals' perceptions of AI applications in tourism shopping on cultural skills, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity is significant (P<.01). The impact level is positive. As positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence in spiritual entertainment, artificial intelligence in tourism accommodation, and artificial intelligence applications in tourism shopping increase, the levels of cultural skills, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity also increase in a positive direction. Keywords: Medical Tourism, Artificial Intelligence, Cultural Competence, Healthcare Professionals