A qualitative study on the experiences and opinions of family physicians in Elazığ regarding ethical issues

This study was conducted to examine the ethical issues encountered by family physicians working in Elazığ province and their approaches to these issues in their professional practice. In this study with a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with family physicians, and the data obtained were analysed using content analysis. The family medicine system, in its current state, is not conducive to physicians performing their primary duties; the legislation on health services remains theoretical and has not been implemented in practice; the system defined as a population-based salary system has led to commercial concerns taking precedence over individual/social welfare concerns in family health centres: doctors experiencing commercial concerns are under intense moral stress and therefore exhibit behaviour contrary to legal provisions and ethical principles; and this process has led to ethical insensitivity, moral erosion, and burnout among doctors. In particular, unethical demands—especially those involving illegal documents—have subjected doctors to pressure from politicians, bureaucrats, or acquaintances and relatives, leading to widespread favouritism in Family Health Centres. Keywords: Family medicine, medical ethics, ethical issues, qualitative research, health services.