Written by Josh Rome, founder and CEO of Runway Health, the first direct-to-consumer telehealth company focused entirely on travel health.
With medical tourism growing in interest, healthcare safety professionals must develop robust risk management strategies.
Patients are now opting to cross borders to find specialized procedures or simply more affordable treatments. While this opens up opportunities for better patient outcomes, it also presents risk.
Patient safety in medical tourism is a critical concern that needs to be addressed – how can we ensure patients are kept safe, considering the logistical challenges associated with medical tourism?
Understanding the Risks
While traveling for specialized care and/or more-affordable treatments offer plenty of upsides, the potential downsides need to be addressed – such as:
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Varying medical standards
- Language barriers
- Follow-up care
Ideally, we want patients to get the same quality of care they expect at home; however, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that traveling can increase the chances of complications.
Medical professionals – patient safety directors, clinicians and patient advocates – must dig deep into these issues and develop strategies that mitigate these risks.
Establishing Clear Communication Channels
Communication is a fundamental pillar of healthcare. Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, so it’s crucial to have clear communication strategies.
If needed, medical professionals should have swift and modernized translation methods on hand (or ideally have multilingual staff available) to ensure patients understand their treatments.
Miscommunication can lead to critical errors in medication or procedures, and professionals must ensure all instructions are clear and understood.
Standardizing Medical Procedures
Different countries have different medical standards – which can be a problem in certain cases. What is considered safe and common practice in one country might not be in another.
Medical professionals should work towards standardizing procedures to ensure patients receive consistent, safe care.
Providers should start by strictly adhering to international guidelines to minimize risks, and stay up-to-date on the latest recommendations.
Thorough Pre-Operative Assessments
Before any treatment, thorough pre-operative assessments are essential to help identify potential risks (and ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure).
Patient safety directors should develop robust pre-operative protocols that must be followed. Key elements of these protocols might include:
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Comprehensive medical history review
- Detailed physical examination
- Diagnostic testing (as needed)
- Risk assessment for anesthesia and surgery
- Patient education on potential risks and postoperative care
Keep in mind – some patients may already have travel medications prescribed beforehand, so making sure staff is aware of drug interactions will help avoid complications during treatment.
Ensuring Proper Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is critical in medical tourism, especially since patients often return home shortly after treatment – making it difficult to manage complications or ensure proper recovery.
Medical professionals need to establish a follow-up care plan, which might include coordinating with local healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the care they need after returning home.
This plan should cover:
- Scheduled follow-up appointments (virtual or in-person)
- Clear instructions for postoperative care
- Contact information for emergency situations
- Coordination with the patient's primary care physician
Utilizing Tech-Based Methods for Better Outcomes
Modern, up-to-date technology can improve patient safety.
Electronic health records (EHRs) can track patient information accurately, and telehealth options can provide care at high-quality standards (without the patient needing to be physically present, alongside a provider).
Secure messaging platforms can facilitate real-time communication. Even wearable health tech can monitor vital signs continuously.
Medical professionals should leverage these technologies to enhance patient safety and improve outcomes.
Training and Education for Medical Staff
Proper training is vital, as medical staff should be well-versed in dealing with international patients – including understanding unique cultural backgrounds and medical standards.
Continuous education and training programs can help ensure staff are up-to-date with the latest practices and technologies.
Patient Advocacy and Support
Patient advocates play a crucial role – guiding patients through the medical tourism process, including helping them understand their treatment options and risks.
Advocates can also ensure patients' concerns are addressed by acting as a bridge between the patient and the medical team.
Sharing Success Stories
Sometimes, sharing success stories can be impactful. Real-life examples of successful medical tourism experiences can reassure patients – showing that safe and effective care is possible, with essential precautions.
On the other hand, carefully examining and learning from failures is equally important (as it helps identify areas for improvement in patient safety).
Final Thoughts
Patient safety in medical tourism is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.
Medical professionals must work together to address the risks and improve outcomes.
Patient safety directors and providers should put a strong focus on:
- Clear communication and standardized procedures
- Thorough assessments
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Proper follow-up care
- Strategic use of technology
With attention put on these key factors, patient safety can be significantly improved.
Medical tourism offers more diverse treatment options, but only if safety is prioritized.
As healthcare professionals, it’s our duty to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care, no matter where they come from. This is not just about following protocols – it’s about going above and beyond to ensure patient safety. Because at the end of the day, every patient deserves safe, high-quality care.
