Challenges in the Development of the Family Health Workers (FHW) Role in Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study.

Aim: This study focuses on the barriers faced by family health workers in performing their professions and aims to reveal the perceived obstacles to their professional development during the provision of preventive health care for an individual from the perspective of family health workers. Methods: In this study in which a qualitative design was used, the data were collected by in-depth interviews with 24 FHWs. The study data collected between January and April 2018 were separately coded and compared by following the thematic analysis process, and the themes were determined with the obtained codes. Results: The results of the study indicate that many factors are perceived as obstacles to the professional development of FHWs. Three themes are defined as the result of the analysis; (a) social perception regarding FHWs, (b) field of application, (c) legislation and training infrastructure. Conclusions: Strategies determined to cope with the obstacles of family health workers are expected to increase contribution to primary health care. In this direction, it is suggested that decision makers should conduct studies related to field of application and legislative infrastructure, present problems and find solutions. The clear role of FHWs is necessary to create field of application where they can work effectively as primary health care providers. Thus, better quality and effective health care services and the development of public health will be supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]