Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Challenges of Implementing the International Patients Department (IPD) Regulations in University Hospitals

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Tahereh Sadeghi 1
Marzieh Hadian 2
Alireza Jabbari 3
1 MSc Student, Isfahan Endocrine & Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 - Associate Professor, Department of Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical, Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i850.0091
Abstract

Background: Medical tourism represents one of the most rapidly expanding segments within the global tourism industry, characterized by accelerated market growth and increased international patient mobility. In light of the application of regulations for establishing International Patient departments (IPD), in Iran and the strategic role of hospitals as primary service delivery nodes, this study seeks to systematically identify and analyze the operational and managerial challenges encountered by university hospitals in the effective implementation of these regulations.
Methods: This qualitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 (year 1403 in the Iranian calendar). Semi-structured interviews were held with 18 managers and experts involved in health tourism at university hospitals in Isfahan. Written informed consent was obtained from the interviewees. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by MAXQDA, version24
Findings: The challenges reported by participants were organized into 13 main categories: ethical issues, financial issues, marketing strategies, monitoring and supervision, equipment and supplies, medication management, physical infrastructure, information and communication technology, process management, legal matters, customer orientation, advocacy, and human resource management. These categories included 79 detailed sub-themes.
Conclusion: Given the variety of challenges identified, the study offers recommendations to improve the implementation, review, and clarification of the regulations to support better management of medical tourism services in hospitals.

Highlights

Tahereh Sadeghi: Google Scholar

Marzieh Hadian: Google Scholar, PubMed

Alireza Jabbari: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Medical tourism
International Patient departments
Hospitals
Iran

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 850
2nd Week, April
March and April 2026
Pages 91-99

  • Receive Date 05 May 2025
  • Accept Date 27 January 2026