Is there room in hospitals for hospitality?

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of hospitality in hospitals. Hospitals and hotels are excellent environments in which to study hospitality given the frequency and importance of interactions between service providers and clients. The research results reported are based on data gathered in indepth interviews conducted with hospital managers, doctors, nurses and patients. In this way, deeper insights were gained into areas of convergence between the tourism and health sectors. A content analysis of the interviews revealed the main dimensions of hospitality in the context of hospitals and healthcare.