MEDTOUR: a scale for measuring medical tourism intentions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a theoretical model to create a scale to predict medical tourism (MT) intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) model was applied to MT by creating a 49‐item questionnaire and collecting data from a convenience sample of 453 undergraduate students enrolled in a university located in the USA. Factor analysis was used to evaluate the results, and yielded a MEDTOUR scale containing 29 items.

Findings

A regression of the three variables on an intentions scale of participation in MT had an R‐value of 0.587. The model was able to explain around 35 percent of the variance in intentions. Given the general nature of the model and the first attempt at predicting MT, the results are positive.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited due to the use of a convenience sample of undergraduate students. Further research utilizing additional samples is needed to verify the MEDTOUR scale. In addition, future research can focus on demographic or other areas of interest in relation to the intention to participate in MT.

Originality/value

The creation of the MEDTOUR scale represents a new application of the TPB to the area of MT. This theory‐based scale is offered as a new tool for future research.

Citation

Martin, D.S., Ramamonjiarivelo, Z. and Martin, W.S. (2011), "MEDTOUR: a scale for measuring medical tourism intentions", Tourism Review, Vol. 66 No. 1/2, pp. 45-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/16605371111127233