The Anxiety for Medical Services System in Inbound Tourists to Japan / 国際保健医療

ABSTRACT

<b>Background</b><br> In recent years, inbound tourists to Japan are increasing. Although they rarely suffer diseases or injuries during travels, they may feel anxiety for medical services in foreign countries. This study was aimed to consider how inbound tourists visiting Japan feel about Japanese medical cares.<br><b>Methods</b><br> Inbound tourists who came to the Tokyo Sightseeing Information Center were investigated. The questionnaire composed of 12 items relating to Japanese medical cares and levels was made in three languages; English, Chinese and Korean.<br><b>Results</b><br> A total of 163 tourists including 98 English speakers, 39 Korean speakers and 26 Chinese speakers were enrolled in the study. (1) Native English speakers had a high anxiety about the communication with Japanese medical staffs (p<0.001). (2) Chinese and Korean speakers subjective estimated the Japanese medical level low (p <0.001). (3) Chinese and Korean speakers had a high anxiety for medical costs while traveling (p<0.001). (4) In a case of emergency, English speakers mostly “look for a drugstore and a hospital”, while Chinese and Korean speakers mostly “contact a travel agency and a tour conductor”.<br><b>Conclusion</b><br> Considering foreign tourists' needs vary with their nationality and culture, Medical staffs should support them to have desired medical care in Japan.