Workplace violence against physicians in Türkiye: the manager-physician perspective

Workplace violence against physicians is a significant issue within the Turkish healthcare system, demanding comprehensive insights to inform targeted interventions. This phenomenological study explores the experiences of four manager-physicians, selected through purposive sampling based on specific criteria, such as a minimum of 25 years of experience and current managerial roles, through two rounds of in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The findings are categorized into manifestations of violence, underlying factors, and proposed preventive strategies. The results indicate that workplace violence often manifests as verbal abuse and physical aggression, primarily influenced by hospital overcrowding, patient entitlement, and insufficient communication training for physicians. The four participants noted that preventive measures could include strict legal consequences for perpetrators, stronger physician unions, and comprehensive communication training. Despite the limitations, such as the small sample size in a closed community in a relatively small town, this study contributes to theoretical understandings of workplace violence by linking these findings to the broader context of conflict in healthcare. The actionable recommendations highlight specific strategies that healthcare institutions and policymakers can implement to create a safer, more supportive environment for healthcare providers and patients.