Practice Standards in International Medical Departments of PublicAcademic Hospitals in China Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Improving health care in cities with a diverse, international population is crucial for ensuring health equity,particularly for foreigners facing challenges due to cultural and language barriers. This situation is especially relevant in China,a major destination for expatriates and travelers, where optimizing health care services and incorporating international standardsin the public sector are vital. Achieving this involves understanding the operational details, cultural and linguistic nuances, andadvancing medical digitalization. A strategic approach focusing on cultural competence and awareness of health care systems isessential for effectively navigating health care for foreigners and expatriates in China. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of the subjective and objective experiences of local andinternational patients in public hospitals in China to provide a basis for enhancing the medical experience of all patients. Methods: A structured questionnaire was provided to patients at an international outpatient service of a top-tier universityhospital in China. Qualitative analysis of the survey responses was performed to methodically categorize and analyze medicaltreatment, focusing on patient demand and satisfaction across four main category elements ("high demand, high satisfaction";"high demand, low satisfaction"; "low demand, high satisfaction"; and "low demand, low satisfaction"), enabling a detailedcross-sectional analysis to identify areas for improvement. Results: Elements falling under "high demand, high satisfaction" for both Chinese and international patients were primarily inthe realms of medical quality and treatment processes. In contrast, elements identified as "high demand, low satisfaction" weresignificantly different between the two patient groups. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of systematic, objective research in advancing the quality of internationalhealth care services within China's leading academic medical centers. Key to this improvement is rigorous quality control involvingboth patients and providers. This study highlights the necessity of certifying such centers and emphasizes the role of digitalplatforms in disseminating information about medical services. This strategy is expected to cater to diverse patient needs, enhancingthe overall patient experience. Furthermore, by developing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services and highlighting thesuperior quality and costs associated with international health care, these efforts aim to foster a sense of belonging amonginternational patients and increase the attractiveness of China's medical services for this demographic