title: Seeking health care through international medical tourism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was the exploration of international travel experiences for the purpose of medical or dental care from the perspective of patients from Alaska and to develop insight and understanding of the essence of the phenomenon of medical tourism.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study is conceptually oriented within a model of health-seeking behavior. Using a qualitative design, 15 Alaska medical tourists were individually interviewed. The data were analyzed using a hermeneutic process of inquiry to uncover the meaning of the experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six themes reflecting the experiences of Alaska medical tourists emerged: "my motivation," "I did the research," "the medical care I need," "follow-up care," "the advice I give," and "in the future." Subthemes further categorized data for increased understanding of the phenomenon. The thematic analysis provides insight into the experience and reflects a modern approach to health-seeking behavior through international medical tourism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study provide increased understanding of the experience of obtaining health care internationally from the patient perspective. Improved understanding of medical tourism provides additional information about a contemporary approach to health-seeking behavior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this study will aid nursing professionals in counseling regarding medical tourism options and providing follow-up health care after medical tourism. Nurses will be able to actively participate in global health policy discussions regarding medical tourism trends.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. eissler@hawaii.edu
authors.forename: Lee Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Eissler
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Casken
mesh_terms: D000413:Alaska / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D057193:Medical Tourism; D014195:Travel