In the second part of our look back at the GHAP project, we are pleased to share the work on quality standards, led by Ondrej Kácha. This paper looked into the need for better information around international standards for medical treatment that could be used in policies to support patient choice.

Abstract from the article

The number of individuals traveling abroad is increasing annually. The rising popularity of medical travel and the absence of clear minimum quality requirements in this area urgently call for the development of international standards to ensure good practice and patient safety. The aim of this study is to identify the key domains in medical travel where quality standards should be established. Drawing from the evidence-based OECD framework and an extensive literature review, this study proposes three critical areas for consideration: minimum standards of health-care facilities and third-party agencies, financial responsibility, and patient centeredness. Several cultural challenges have been introduced that may pose a barrier to development of the guidelines and should be taken into consideration. Establishing international quality standards in medical travel enhances benefits to patients and providers, which is an urgent necessity given the rapid growth in this industry.

Kácha, O., Kovács, B. E., McCarthy, C., Schuurmans, A. A., Dobyns, C., Haller, E., Hinrichs-Krapels, S., & Ruggeri, K. (2016). An approach to establishing international quality standards for medical travel. Frontiers in Public health, 4.