Table 2 Push and pull factors: Motives for using healthcare services in the region of origin
Motives | Availability | Perception of quality | Need for a second opinion | Familiarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Push factors | Long waiting lists for specialised care | Long waiting lists for specialised care | Feeling uninformed | Communication barriers |
Restricted access to specialised care | Restrained access to specialised care | Lack of trust between patient and health professionals | Different expectations among patients and professionals | |
Little familiarity with healthcare system in the country of origin | ||||
Lack of further options for treatment | ||||
Pull factors | Perceived easy access: • No waiting lists • No need for referral | Fast and efficient treatment | Familiarity with the healthcare system in the country of origin | Feeling comfortable and secure in the healthcare system |
Specialised doctors | Perception of quality as better | No barriers in communication or language | ||
Searching for further options |