This study examines the influence of international students on health tourism in Kayseri, Turkey. The research categorizes students into two groups based on their origins: those from neighboring countries and those participating in Erasmus and Erasmus+ programs. The findings reveal distinct patterns in satisfaction levels, challenges encountered, and the
potential for leveraging these students to enhance Turkey's health tourism sector. Key recommendations for dental professionals and healthcare providers are discussed to address the identified issues and maximize the potential benefits of this unique demographic.
Introduction
Health tourism has become a significant component of Turkey’s growing economy, with an
increasing number of patients traveling to the country for affordable and quality healthcare
services. International students studying in Turkish universities constitute a unique subset of
this demographic, often utilizing local healthcare facilities. This study explores the
satisfaction levels and challenges experienced by international students in Kayseri while
accessing healthcare, focusing on dental services. The findings aim to provide actionable
recommendations for healthcare professionals to better cater to this group and enhance
Turkey's reputation as a health tourism hub.
Methodology
The research involved surveys and interviews with international students studying in Kayseri during 2023. Students were divided into two main categories:
Continuously Enrolled Students: Primarily from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Iran,
Afghanistan, Iraq, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
Erasmus and Erasmus+ Students: Predominantly from Germany, France, Hungary, the
United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
The study assessed their satisfaction with healthcare services, identified challenges, and
explored their likelihood of recommending Turkish healthcare services to others.
Findings Satisfaction Levels Continuously Enrolled Students:
Approximately 80% of students from neighboring countries reported satisfaction with dental services. However, these students often come from countries with limited financial capacity to contribute significantly to health tourism revenues.
Erasmus and Erasmus+ Students:Around 74% of students from EU countries stated they would recommend Turkish healthcare services to others, while 60% indicated they would consider returning with family or friends for future treatments.
Challenges Encountered Language Barrier:
A significant obstacle for both groups, as many healthcare professionals lack proficiency in
English or other widely spoken languages. Insurance and Payment Issues:
Students struggled to understand Turkey’s healthcare insurance system and faced high
out-of-pocket expenses for services not covered by insurance.
Guidance Deficiency: Many students were unaware of which clinics or hospitals to visit, resulting in delays and frustration.
Cultural Sensitivities: Differences in cultural and religious practices occasionally caused discomfort during medical procedures.
Bureaucratic Challenges: Complicated residency and insurance processes posed additional hurdles for accessing healthcare.
Emergency Situations: Students often lacked knowledge of where to seek emergency care and encountered transportation difficulties.
Discussion
The study underscores the potential of Erasmus and Erasmus+ students as informal
ambassadors for Turkish healthcare services. Their positive experiences could encourage
more visitors from financially capable European countries. However, the challenges they
face must be addressed to fully capitalize on this opportunity. Recommendations for Dental Professionals and Healthcare Providers Language and Communication Skills Invest in language training for healthcare staff, focusing on English and other widely spoken languages. Provide cultural competence training to improve communication and patient satisfaction.Cultural Sensitivity Training Educate healthcare providers on cultural and religious practices to ensure a respectful and comfortable experience for all patients.
Insurance and Legal KnowledgeDevelop a thorough understanding of Turkey’s healthcare insurance system and assist international patients in navigating it. Establish a dedicated counseling service for international students to address their questions
about insurance and payment procedures.
Technological Integration Implement multilingual patient management systems and translation tools to bridge
communication gaps.
Create digital platforms offering detailed information on healthcare services, accessible in
multiple languages.
Emergency Care Protocols Standardize emergency care procedures and educate students on how to access these services effectively.
Develop multilingual informational materials to guide students during emergencies.
International Accreditation Encourage clinics to pursue certifications such as Joint Commission International (JCI) to enhance credibility and attract more international patients.
Conclusion
International students in Kayseri represent a dual opportunity: improving their healthcare
experiences not only benefits their academic journey but also positions Turkey as a leading
destination for health tourism. By addressing the outlined challenges, healthcare providers
can create a sustainable model that leverages the satisfaction of international students to
attract global patients, thereby boosting Turkey’s health tourism industry.
Future Research
Further studies should investigate the long-term impact of international students'
recommendations on Turkey’s health tourism sector and explore strategies for expanding
access to high-quality healthcare services for this demographic.
Comments