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Video Consultations for Patients Traveling Internationally for Medical Care: An Observational Study of a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea

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Listed:
  • Mirim Byun

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hyun-Ju Baek

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Taeseo Kim

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Jaehyun Jung

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyelim Lee

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Yoojung Lee

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Sergey Kim

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Wonjae Lee

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
    Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Sung Hee Choi

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
    Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Seung-Yeon Lee

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
    Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

  • Ji Soo Kim

    (International Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea
    Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

With the rise in patients traveling worldwide for medical treatment in recent years, the importance of patient care continuum has become increasingly evident. We aimed to analyze the role of video consultations in facilitating medical care for patients traveling internationally for medical care in South Korea. In this retrospective study, data were gathered on video consultations for international medical travelers conducted between January 2021 and December 2023 at a single tertiary hospital. We analyzed information on patient demographics, the content of video consultation, and how these factors were associated with the patient’s decision to travel for treatment. A total of 16.5% of international medical travel patients who underwent video consultation subsequently traveled for treatment. Patients who engaged directly with the institution were more likely (aOR 5.74, [95% CI 1.20–27.33]) to travel for treatment compared to those who relied on domestic or international travel services. Additionally, patients who participated in follow-up video consultations were more likely (aOR 4.06, [95% CI 1.04–15.92]) to travel compared to those who underwent their first video consultation. International medical travel patients utilized video consultations for a range of medical conditions, with the likelihood of subsequent treatment travel being associated with both the medium through which consultations were initiated and prior experience with the institution.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirim Byun & Hyun-Ju Baek & Taeseo Kim & Jaehyun Jung & Hyelim Lee & Yoojung Lee & Sergey Kim & Wonjae Lee & Sung Hee Choi & Seung-Yeon Lee & Ji Soo Kim, 2025. "Video Consultations for Patients Traveling Internationally for Medical Care: An Observational Study of a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-9, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:481-:d:1618991
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Soojung Kim & Charles Arcodia & Insin Kim, 2019. "Critical Success Factors of Medical Tourism: The Case of South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Hanefeld, J. & Lunt, N. & Smith, R. & Horsfall, D., 2015. "Why do medical tourists travel to where they do? The role of networks in determining medical travel," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 356-363.
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