Provision of a smart medical and wellness travel program for hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Travel for hemodialysis patients is challenging due to health constraints and needs for complex planning. This research develops an innovative medical and health tourism system and application for international dialysis patients. We adopt various relevant standards to ensure system quality, trust, and smart health, including FHIR for health data, international medical tourism guidelines, international hemodialysis standards, and cross-border healthcare regulations. Additionally, privacy and security concerns are addressed by adhering to key principles such as ISO 27269, HIPAA, GDPR, and ISMS. The set of requirements was analyzed to develop the system architecture and application prototype. This smart program demonstrates practical implementation, workflow, and expected system effectiveness. These concepts were evaluated using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The experts from 30 medical personals who work closely with hemodialysis patients, responding with high acceptance and strong agreement. Our prototype shows usability and expects to promote the patient benefit and reduce the burden of disease. Implementing this smart tourism solution for hemodialysis patients should enhance patient well-being by ensuring safety and continuous treatment through standard adherence.