Medical tourism, which is becoming more popular every year, represents a significant segment of global tourism. This trend is driven not only by the growing number of patients seeking better, faster, or more affordable healthcare but also by increasing globalisation and the greater availability of information. In the context of the Czech Republic, where the number of international patients has significantly increased over the last decade, it is essential to understand the role that the brand image of healthcare facilities plays in the decision-making process of these patients. Based on the research conducted, it can be concluded that the key factors influencing the choice of a healthcare facility are the quality of services, safety, and modern equipment. Price and speed of service also play an important role, with patients particularly appreciating a good value-for-money ratio. The importance of communication and customer service is also evident, as effective and high-quality communication can significantly strengthen the brand image and patient trust. The research results suggest that although word-of-mouth and personal recommendations are important, their effect is not statistically significantly greater than that of the marketing communication of a given healthcare facility. This indicates that it is important for healthcare providers to address both forms of communication equally. In conclusion, it can be said that a strong brand image of a healthcare facility, built on quality, safety, and effective communication, plays a key role in attracting foreign patients as part of medical tourism. Healthcare providers should actively develop these factors to be able to compete in the ever-growing medical tourism market.
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