The application of medical and health informatics among the Malaysian medical tourism hospital: A preliminary study

Abstract

The medical and health informatics proven to give a significant impact to the healthcare industry worldwide. Various medical and health informatics applications are available and found to be potential for implementation in scaffolding the healthcare industry. Even though multiple types of research previously conducted on the roles of medical and health informatics in health care, a little study found to be available related to the positions of medical and health informatics in medical tourism specifically in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and provide preliminary findings on medical and health informatics applications by Malaysian medical tourism hospitals. This study only focuses on medical and health informatics applications that are accessible on the official website of medical tourism hospitals. A total number of 21 hospitals registered with the Malaysian Health Tourism Council (MHTC) with “Elite Partner Membership” status selected for sampling. From the analysis, it found that most of the applications utilized for enhancing communication between users and medical tourism hospitals. There were nine (9) types of applications identified that is the website itself followed by social network links, LiveChat, appointment booking, find a doctor, find a service, inquiry form, mobile applications and, finally virtual tour. The level of implementation found to be at average and need further progressive development so that the high potential and benefits of medical/health informatics fully utilize at a maximum level for the medical tourism industry.