Tertiary Prevention and After-Care for Cancer Patients in a Hotel Setting

Abstract

We assume that holiday taking is generally representing a positive activity. It is normally recognized as opportunity for enjoyment, escapism, relaxation and outdoor activities. There are healthy tourists who use their holidays without having any motivation to improve their health status, whereas other groups suffering from a moderate health-related problem use their time for preventive or curative activities. But what about those who suffer from a severe disease such as cancer? Those people have had their treatments in a hospital and they probably had an after-care stay in a rehabilitation clinic. The phase after the abovementioned treatments often leaves patients alone regarding further possibilities for therapy and/or invigorating and health-promoting pastimes. The subject of this essay is to investigate whether a tourist setting is a suitable location for offering services for people suffering from cancer. Strengths and weaknesses of a medical hotel in comparison to specialized clinics are going to be assessed and the preferences of cancer patients regarding holiday taking, respectively. All in all, a new business model is being discussed here and the idea to achieve a better overview about target group identification in medical tourism.