Table 1 Summary of Actions and Activities Identified by Participants

Become an informed health care consumer

1. gather information (especially whatever is available online) before and after deciding to become a caregiver

2. ask questions about the procedure and facility (including connecting with former medical tourists) while considering becoming a caregiver-companion

3. understand the types of responsibilities you will have as a caregiver-companion before and after agreeing to take on this role

Assess and avoid exposure to risk

4. research the facility’s quality

5. familiarize yourself with the safety protocols of the facility (e.g., security procedures, hand washing, etc.)

6. arrive prepared to make financially-relevant decisions on behalf of the medical tourist

Anticipate the medical tourist’s care needs

7. familiarize yourself with the medical tourist’s health

8. take steps to anticipate the scope of care activities that will be undertaken (a personalized approach was recommend and therefore no standardized activities were offered)

Familiarize yourself with important logistics

9. become knowledgeable about flight, hotel, and ground transportation bookings

10. talk to former medical tourists who went to the same facility to learn what to expect regarding timelines and other logistics

Protect your health

11. avoid overly physically strenuous activities while abroad (or plan to be prepared for them by practicing patient lifts and transfers before travel)

12. undertake recommended travel medicine precautions (e.g., vaccines)