Medical tourism: A snapshot of evidence on treatment abroad. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lunt, Neil; Horsfall, Daniel; Hanefeld, Johanna
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 88(2016)
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Medical tourism -- Medical mobility -- Medical travel -- Scoping review; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: This is a narrative review of the literature on medical tourism: definitions and flows, consumer choice, clinical quality and outcomes. The implications for health systems are discussed. This narrative review draws attention to gaps in the research evidence. Abstract: The scoping review focuses on medical tourism, whereby consumers elect to travel across borders or to overseas destinations to receive their treatment. Such treatments include: cosmetic and dental surgery; cardio, orthopaedic and bariatric surgery; IVF; and organ and tissue transplantation. The review assesses the emerging focus of research evidence post-2010. The narrative review traverses discussion on medical tourism definitions and flows, consumer choice, clinical quality and outcomes, and health systems implications. Attention is drawn to gaps in the research evidence.