Factors associated with medical travel behaviours: the input–process–output perspective

The service quality and corporate image of medical institutions had positive influences on the perceived value of medical travel and destination image can be regarded as an important moderator that facilitates the influences of medical institution factors on perceived value.

Abstract

This study adopts the input–process–output perspective to develop a research framework, and aims to investigate the factors associated with medical travel behaviours. A total of 343 international medical tourists who took low invasive treatments in Taiwan were surveyed using questionnaires. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling, and the results of this work are as follows. Medical tourists felt that higher service quality led to better corporate image. The service quality and corporate image of medical institutions had positive influences on the perceived value of medical travel. Perceived value plays a significant mediating role for the relationships between various medical institution factors and behavioural intention. Furthermore, destination image can be regarded as an important moderator that facilitates the influences of medical institution factors on perceived value.