Public perceptions of medical overuse in Türkiye: a web-based cross-sectional study

Medical overuse poses significant challenges for healthcare systems as it increases costs, compromises patient safety, and jeopardizes system sustainability. This study aimed to examine public perception of medical overuse in Türkiye, the areas perceived as overused, the perceived causes of overuse, and potential consequences. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based questionnaire administered to adults residing in Türkiye. The questionnaire assessed awareness and perceptions of medical overuse, areas of overuse (e.g., diagnostic tests, imaging, and medications), contributing factors such as defensive medical practices, financial incentives, organizational constraints, and patient demand, as well as perceived outcomes and strategies for reducing overuse. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Participants most frequently associated the overuse of medical services with unnecessary diagnostic tests, imaging procedures, and medication prescribing. Perceived factors included physicians’ concerns about medical malpractice lawsuits, financial and reimbursement mechanisms, limited consultation time, and patients’ expectations of comprehensive testing and treatment. Participants also expressed concerns that excessive medical interventions could negatively impact physical and mental health, reduce trust in physicians, and increase healthcare costs. Strategies such as improving patient information, strengthening coordination among healthcare providers, and increasing oversight of billing processes were widely supported. Medical overuse is perceived as a multifactorial phenomenon shaped by systemic, organizational, and relational factors. Addressing this issue in Türkiye may require comprehensive, value-oriented policy approaches that go beyond individual clinical decision-making processes.