A study on the dehumanization of physicians

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have been conducted on dehumanization. However, studies that address dehumanization in the field of medicine have been examined from the patient perspective, focusing on the dehumanization of patients. The aim of this study, undertaken to examine dehumanization from the physician perspective, is to reveal in what ways and why physicians are dehumanized, the consequences of this situation, and the measures that can be taken. With this aim, a qualitative research method was chosen, and using a phenomenological design, the participants' experiences related to dehumanization were examined through interviews. The participants were selected by criterion and snowball sampling from purposeful sampling methods. Interviews were conducted with 22 physicians who had experienced dehumanization and had at least five years of professional experience. An in-depth interview technique was used within the scope of the study, and a semi-structured interview form was employed. As a result of the interviews, 179 pages of data were obtained. The study was designed with an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach, and thematic data analysis technic was used. The findings obtained from the participants were examined under four overarching themes: forms of physician dehumanization, reasons for dehumanization, consequences of dehumanization, and proposed solutions. The study found that physicians are dehumanized in six different ways (animalistic, mechanistic, physical, professional, superhumanization, and self-dehumanization), and that the reasons for this are shaped by individual, institutional, and macro-level factors. Considering the consequences of dehumanization, in addition to affecting the physician's professional life, physical, psychological, and social outcomes were revealed. Finally, recommendations for reducing dehumanization were presented. Keywords: Dehumanization, Superhumanization, Health Sociology, Health Management