Background: In the competitive field of medical tourism, attracting international patients requires hospitals to be well-prepared in terms of key influencing factors.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify and validate the factors affecting hospital preparedness for attracting international patients.
Methods: This descriptive-applied research was conducted in 2025 at Alborz University of Medical Sciences. By analyzing existing scientific sources from reputable international and domestic databases and engaging 14 experts, the influencing factors were identified, evaluated, and categorized. Content validity was confirmed using the Lawshe method, and the reliability of the instrument was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha.
Findings: Fifty-nine factors affecting the attraction of international patients were identified. After validation through the Lawshe coefficient, these factors were categorized into 15 groups based on similarity and application: 1) Patient responsiveness; 2) Accommodation, welfare, and recreational facilities; 3) Effective communication with patients; 4) International standards and certifications; 5) Patient care focus; 6) Service delivery speed; 7) Specialized treatment team; 8) Managerial, economic, and insurance expectations; 9) Medical and treatment equipment; 10) Patient safety; 11) Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; 12) Patient privacy; 13) Access to services; 14) Provider reputation and prestige; and 15) Continuous improvement. The reliability of the factors was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.812.
Conclusion: The findings can serve as a conceptual framework for policymakers, managers, and other stakeholders. A comprehensive management approach to the identified factors can effectively enhance the process of attracting international patients, contribute to the growth of health tourism, and improve the competitive position of hospitals.