Current situation analysis of the family medicine system in Türkiye and recommendations

Abstract

In Türkiye, the first place of application for preventive health services and polyclinic services is Family Medicine Units. This study was conducted to reveal the status of the Family Medicine System in the current health system as of 2021 and to make recommendations. Study data were taken from the 2021 health statistics yearbook of the Ministry of Health. The average population per Family Medicine Unit in Türkiye is 3,145 and it has been determined that there are significant imbalances between regions and provinces. In 2021, 36% of the total physician applications in Türkiye were made to Family Medicine Units, and 2.9 of 8 applications per capita were made here. The referral rate in the family medicine system has been 0.6% as of 2021, and when evaluated together with the number of applications, it can be said that the referral system is not functioning effectively. The satisfaction rate with the Family Medicine System was generally higher than with inpatient treatment services, at 70.1%. When the study results are evaluated; Suggestions were made, especially for improving the referral system, making the distribution of family medicine units balanced, and increasing the qualifications of family physicians.