Medical Tourism Competitiveness in Malaysia: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59261/bustechno.v7i5.846Keywords:
Competitiveness, Destination Image, Malaysia, Medical Tourism, Service QualityAbstract
Background: Competition among medical tourism destinations in Southeast Asia requires an integrated understanding of the factors shaping Malaysia's competitiveness. The ten included studies (five quantitative, four qualitative, and one mixed-method) involved predominantly Indonesian and Chinese medical tourists across hospital and destination settings. Given this limited and heterogeneous evidence base, the competitive position attributed to Malaysia is presented as an evidence-informed synthesis rather than a causal claim. Implications: the findings support patient-centered quality management, transparent pricing, and safeguards for equitable local healthcare access.
Objective: This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the roles of service quality, destination image and competitiveness, medical costs, and tourist attitudes in medical tourists' satisfaction, perceived value, and behavioral intentions.
Methods: Systematic review followed PRISMA 2020. Scopus, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis Online were searched for English-language articles published from 2021 to 2025. Of 8,011 initial records, 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.
Results: Five studies were quantitative, four qualitative, and one used mixed methods. Service quality was the most consistent determinant, particularly healthcare professionalism, communication, transparency, technology, and patient experience. Destination image was shaped by safety, accessibility, reputation, healing environments, digital promotion, and recommendations. Reasonable costs mainly influenced destination choice and perceived value, whereas post-service satisfaction was more strongly driven by quality and trust. Malaysia occupies a competitive position based on balancing quality and affordability.
Conclusion: Patient-centered quality improvement, price transparency, cross-sector service integration, and protection of local healthcare.
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