The lived experience of Chinese medical tourists receiving cancer care: A qualitative study.
Tuzhen Xu, Fuqin Liu, Sandra K Cesario and 1 others
PMID 36917552WHAT IT FOUND
Chinese cancer patients who came to the United States for treatment valued respectful, private care but faced costly, language and waiting barriers.
Family, caregivers and hospital interpreters helped them navigate treatment.
Key findings
01Participants were generally satisfied with United States cancer care because they felt respected, trusted providers, and valued a quiet, private environment.
02Language barriers caused anxiety and gaps in understanding, especially when family members or in-person interpreters could not accompany patients during pandemic visitation restrictions.
03Costs for care, daily living and insurance co-pay were a major concern, and some participants sold their house in China to pay.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included a small purposive sample from a limited region, so it may not represent Chinese medical tourists in other US states. The interviews were conducted during the pandemic, which may have affected experiences with visitation, interpreters, waiting times, and treatment access. The study describes patients' experiences and cannot show whether any care approach improves clinical outcomes.
Declared interests
The research was supported by a small research grant at Texas Woman's University. No external funding was involved. The authors declared no financial or non-financial conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the high satisfaction as evidence that United States cancer treatment is better or more effective. This is a small qualitative study of lived experience, not a trial of outcomes.