Perspectives of Turkish family physicians towards refugee patients and primary health care: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: The increasing number of refugees in various regions of our country has led to socio-economic issues and challenges in the healthcare system. This study aims to investigate family physicians' perspectives in Turkey regarding refugees' social lives and healthcare services. Design: This is a qualitative cross-sectional study using phenomenological research design. The study was carried out with family physicians in health care centers. Three online focus group interviews were conducted to collect the data. The interviews proceeded with semistructured questions about their perceptions of refugee health and their challenges while working with refugee patients. The research data were descriptively presented and supported by quotes obtained from interviews with the participants. Results: A total of 24 family physicians were reached through three online sessions for data collection. Of the 24 participating family physicians, 10 were men and 14 were women. On average, the physicians had eight years of medical experience, and the average number of registered immigrant populations in the family health units was around 100 patients. After consulting the domain experts, a final determination of 4 different themes was made. These themes were identified as follows: experience, emotions, and thoughts; encountered challenges, and proposed solutions. Conclusions: Family physicians face difficulties adapting to healthcare systems and face challenges in scheduling appointments and accessing advanced medical investigations when seeking hospital services.