Research Article

A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey

Volume: 19 Number: 3 September 10, 2025
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A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey

Abstract

Background and Aim: This research investigates the reflection of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary healthcare services and family physicians. This study analyzes the challenges faced by family physicians. This research seeks to contribute to the literature on the physician-patient relationship and provide insights for future pandemic preparedness. Material and Method: A qualitative research design was employed to explore physicians’ perspectives on the physician-patient relationship during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study was conducted through interviews with primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and family physicians (FPs) in Antalya, Turkey, between March 10, 2023, and April 11, 2023. The sample consisted of 21 physicians working in primary healthcare centers in Antalya, selected using criterion and snowball sampling methods. Results: These themes were identified as ‘Physician-Patient Interaction,’ ‘Sample Collection and Medication’, and ‘Patient Satisfaction.’ Conclusion: This study reveals the reflections of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary health care and family physicians. The findings show that physician-patient communication has weakened during the pandemic, patient satisfaction has varied, and physicians have faced ethical concerns. In addition, it has been determined that physicians' professional satisfaction has decreased due to increased workload and psychological pressure. The results show that primary health care services should be strengthened and physicians should be supported in similar crisises in the future

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research has not received any funding from any funding organization or sector.

Ethical Statement

The scientific study titled 'Reflection of the COVID-19 Pandemic on PHCs and FPs, Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey' has been unanimously approved as compliant with ethical principles and human rights in both scope and application. This approval was granted by the Social and Human Sciences Ethics Committee of Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey, under decision number E-87432956-050.99-452238, dated February 21, 2023. After each participant received detailed information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and their rights, they voluntarily agreed to participate and provided official consent. Signed "Informed voluntary consent" documents were obtained from the physicians participating in the study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Family Medicine, Primary Health Care

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

September 3, 2025

Publication Date

September 10, 2025

Submission Date

March 20, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 19 Number: 3

APA
Karataş, G. G., & Eke, E. (2025). A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey. Turkish Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 19(3), 266-274. https://doi.org/10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974
AMA
1.Karataş GG, Eke E. A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey. TJFMPC. 2025;19(3):266-274. doi:10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974
Chicago
Karataş, Gülçin Gökçenur, and Erdal Eke. 2025. “A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey”. Turkish Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 19 (3): 266-74. https://doi.org/10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974.
EndNote
Karataş GG, Eke E (September 1, 2025) A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey. Turkish Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 19 3 266–274.
IEEE
[1]G. G. Karataş and E. Eke, “A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey”, TJFMPC, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 266–274, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974.
ISNAD
Karataş, Gülçin Gökçenur - Eke, Erdal. “A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey”. Turkish Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 19/3 (September 1, 2025): 266-274. https://doi.org/10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974.
JAMA
1.Karataş GG, Eke E. A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey. TJFMPC. 2025;19:266–274.
MLA
Karataş, Gülçin Gökçenur, and Erdal Eke. “A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey”. Turkish Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, vol. 19, no. 3, Sept. 2025, pp. 266-74, doi:10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974.
Vancouver
1.Gülçin Gökçenur Karataş, Erdal Eke. A Qualitative Research on the Reflection of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services and Family Physicians: The Physician-Patient Relationship in Turkey. TJFMPC. 2025 Sep. 1;19(3):266-74. doi:10.21763/tjfmpc.1661974

English or Turkish manuscripts from authors with new knowledge to contribute to understanding and improving health and primary care are welcome. 


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