Future health technology trends, policy, and governance perspective: the Turkish case

Abstract

Background Advanced health technologies that emerge with the development of technology have an impact on health systems. This study aimed to determine the effects of these technologies on Türkiye’s health system and present policy recommendations to reshape Türkiye’s health system and policies accordingly. Methods Interviews were conducted with senior managers, bureaucrats, policy-makers and decision-makers from seven different institutions on the subject. Content analysis was performed on the data obtained and evaluative categories were established. Results It was concluded that these technologies would not have a positive impact on two identified themes, a negative impact on seven themes and a predominant impact on five themes in Türkiye. Conclusions To adapt to the new health ecosystem in Türkiye, it is recommended to increase digital literacy, conduct economic evaluations of technologies, promote domestic production, ensure up-to-date follow-up, collaborate with the engineering field, enhance health technology evaluation practices, improve access to technologies and ensure that the infrastructures of health institutions are compatible with technologies. Various policy suggestions have been presented for the development of Türkiye’s health system.