Physicians' attitudes toward home healthcare services in Turkey: A qualitative study

Because of the growth of the older population and the prevalence of chronic diseases, home care services (HCS) have become an important aspect of healthcare worldwide. However, various difficulties and deficiencies are present in the provision of these recently implemented services in Turkey. Modifications to home healthcare services are in progress.

Physicians have an active role in home healthcare services. The present study was performed to examine physicians' attitudes toward this service in detail.

Twenty-six physicians who provide home healthcare services in the city of Ankara were included in the study. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analysed.

Most physicians thought that home care could be provided to patients who are bedridden, are very old, have a chronic disease, have problems leaving the house, or do not have family support. They also expressed displeasure about the abuse of services and discordance of organization between hospitals and primary care centres. They noted that real circumstances in practice were not compatible with regulations and that cooperation and coordination between departments are necessary and important.

The current study underlines physicians' interest in and support of the home care system, which has various drawbacks and limitations. Legislation needs to be further changed to improve the quality of service and eliminate deficiencies in home healthcare.