Healthcare professionals on the move: understanding the drivers of migration from Türkiye – a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore and analyze the push and pull factors, referring to adverse conditions in Türkiye and attractive conditions abroad, that influence healthcare professionals’ consideration or pursuit of international migration. METHOD: The study was conducted in Türkiye in 2024 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. The interview recordings were first transcribed and checked for accuracy, and the final transcripts were returned to the participants for confirmation of accuracy. In addition, one researcher conducted the initial coding and analysis, a second researcher independently reviewed the coding process, and a third researcher with qualitative research experience examined the codes and themes as an external check to support 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. Participants perceived this migration trend as 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.