analysis of medical tourism industry stakeholders: providing effective strategies in isfahan, iran

introduction: policy makers and decision makers of medical tourism must identify stakeholders who can be affected by and can affect this industry and determine their status for partnership. the aim of this study was to identify and analyze the main stakeholders of medical tourism in isfahan, and provide strategies for developing this industry. methods: a qualitative study was conducted in 2011. at first, key stakeholders of medical tourism in isfahan were identified according to experts idea and literature review. then we interviewed these key stakeholders. data analysis was conducted using stakeholder analysis and development strategies were provided for medical tourism. results: the key stakeholders of medical tourism in isfahan were divided into 9 categories. they consisted of governor of isfahan province, cultural heritage, handcraft and tourism organization of isfahan, chamber of commerce, state medical council, isfahan university of medical sciences, health services providers, tourism services providers, private investors, and the export development bank of iran. stakeholders’ characteristics showed that cultural heritage, handcraft and tourism organization of isfahan, clinic, and international relations office of the isfahan university of medical sciences had full knowledge of the government policy about medical tourism. private hospital, state medical council, investors, and university of medical sciences had great power. private hospital, clinic, cultural heritage, handcraft and tourism organization of isfahan, and university of medical sciences had a supportive position. effective strategies included strategies focused on increasing power, increasing support, and maintaining their position. conclusion: there are different stakeholders in the medical tourism industry of isfahan. therefore, policy makers can plan, make policies and decisions, and use effective strategies in order to develop medical tourism by designing a medical tourism stakeholders’ network and a medical tourism provincial council, and by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.