Keywords: : Family physicians, ultrasonography, Turkey, qualitative study, primary care, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)

Background:

Ultrasonography (USG) use by family physicians (FPs) is growing worldwide but remains limited in Turkey. There is little research on how FPs incorporate USG into their practice without formal training or institutional support. Understanding their experiences can help guide policy, training, and technology integration in primary care. This study explores the motivations, training, practical use, and challenges of Turkish family physicians who use USG in daily clinical work.

Research questions:

What are the experiences, motivations, and challenges of family physicians using ultrasonography in Turkey?

Method:

This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach and COREQ guidelines. Ten family physicians from various regions of Turkey were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria included at least six months of USG use in primary care and having received some form of training. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video conferencing and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA 2020. Themes were developed from the data, revised and adjusted throughout the coding process. Thirteen main themes were identified and supported with participant quotations.

Results:

Physicians were motivated by clinical needs, personal interest, and gaps in diagnostic access. Education sources varied, with most attending short courses or gaining informal training through clinical experience. Applications included abdominal pain evaluation, pregnancy screening, and chronic disease management. Physicians used basic or secondhand equipment. They found USG beneficial for patient care and decision-making. However, some noted that it could increase workload and time pressure, especially in busy primary care settings. Despite challenges, many believed that using USG in family medicine is inevitable in today’s technology-driven healthcare environment.

Conclusions:

Ultrasonography is seen a valuable tool by Turkish FPs, especially in underserved areas. Their experiences show both strong motivation but limited support. With better training, policy support, and equipment, USG can become a routine part of primary care, improving efficiency, physician confidence, and patient satisfaction.

Points for discussion:

Should Family Physicians use Ultrasonography in their daily clinical practice?

Should medical students receive training in ultrasonography during their undergraduate education? Why or why not?

"How can the use of ultrasonography be expanded in family medicine? What policy-level support would make this possible?"