Healthcare Professionals on the Move: Understanding the Drivers of Migration from Türkiye – A Qualitative Study

Objective: This study aims to explore and analyze the underlying push factors that drive healthcare professionals in Türkiye to consider or pursue international migration Method: The research was conducted using a qualitative design based on an interpretative phenomenological approach. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 healthcare professionals from 13 occupational groups. Content, descriptive, and thematic analysis techniques were used during the analysis process, and systematic coding was carried out using NVivo 10 software. A multiple-coder strategy and participant confirmation were employed to ensure the study’s reliability. Results: Three main themes were identified: (1) Drivers, (2) Social Effects, and (3) Necessary Actions. The most prominent push factors were low salaries, heavy workloads, workplace violence, lack of professional respect, and burnout. Conversely, higher income, safer working environments, better quality of life, and greater career opportunities were considered pull factors. Among the social impacts of migration, participants emphasized brain drain, a decline in the quality of healthcare services, and reduced motivation among those who remain in the system. Conclusion: The findings indicate that healthcare professionals’ decisions to migrate are not solely based on individual preferences but are closely related to systemic and structural issues. This trend poses a potential threat to the sustainability of healthcare services in Türkiye. Improving working conditions, protecting professional values, preventing violence in healthcare settings, and implementing merit-based policies are essential to address this issue.