Infrastructure Management of Medical tourism facilitator firms in Iran

Introduction: Medical tourism facilitator firms are the firms which act as intermediaries between suppliers of medical tourism and the patients. In order to have efficient and sufficient outcome, these firms need a well-organized infrastructure. In this research, we investigated the infrastructure management indicators of medical tourism facilitator firms in Iran. Methods: This research was conducted by using a two-step quantitative method: the Delphi technique and distribution of a structured questionnaire. Statistical population for the first data collection step consisted of the experts in medical tourism and e-business. The second statistical population was medical tourism facilitator firms. The data were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: The infrastructure management for a Medical tourism facilitator firm included the following five factors: activity configuration, network partner, capabilities, internal (mission, strategy and structure) and external (government, competitors and technology) factors. Activity configurations of a firm, included Collaboration platforms, Virtual communities and Value-chain integrators as main activities of an Medical tourism facilitator firm firm. By examining the network partner factor, it became prominent that insurance companies must be considered more although they face limitations due to sanctions. Capability include facilities in medical and tourism segment, access to database of hospitals and physicians. Considering the internal factors mission, structures and strategy of the firm in the context of planning, their target segment, the firm’s human resources and IT structure of the firm should be developed. The government affects Medical tourism facilitator firm firms by making rules and regulations in the context of visa issuance, having relationship with medical tourism target countries, investing and supporting medical tourism system. The internal and external competitors should be monitored wisely for activities, partners, services, prices and the type of provided services. Technology is towards e-health and health applications and platform to provide required data and information for patients of MTF firms as well. Conclusion: To manage infrastructure of an MTF firm, it is necessary to consider activity configuration, network partner, capabilities, internal and external factors comprehensively, as mentioned in this paper. Designing a platform between facilitators and partners as well as facilitators and patients is recommended.