The relationships among perceived medical quality, well-being perception, and behavioral intention: A comparison between domestic and overseas medical destinations

The niche market of medical tourism is growing in response to medical advancements and enhanced well-being. This research aims to examine the relationships among perceived quality of medical services, well-being perception, and behavioral intention between residents’ domestic country and in overseas medical destinations. It further compares these variables based on residents’ age groups. Convenience sampling was applied to invite Hong Kong residents at the aging center as well as members of associations and social media groups (e.g., Facebook) to participate in this study. An online questionnaire was sent to participants who have medical experiences in Hong Kong (domestic country) and/or overseas medical destinations. Results showed that residents had different perceptions of medical quality between domestic and overseas medical destinations. The factors of perceived staff and management quality and perceived facility quality influence well-being perception and consequently improve residents’ behavioral intention. However, no mean difference was found between perceived quality of medical services and well-being perception and behavioral intention by different age groups of residents. The theoretical contributions to the service quality perception literature and managerial implications were further discussed for future development.