Intensive care subspecialty in turkey: what do emergency medicine physicians think?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the tendencies, self-perceived knowledge, perceived barriers, and expectations of Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians working in Turkey regarding the Intensive Care (IC) subspecialty. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey study was conducted between July and September 2025. A total of 304 EM physicians actively working in Turkey were included in the study. The survey form consisted of 12 questions covering demographic information, self-perceived knowledge, experience, tendency, motivation, opinions, and expectations. Data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0 with chi-square tests for categorical variables and multivariate logistic regression for factors associated with subspecialty tendency and self-perceived knowledge. RESULTS: Among participants, 80.6% had experience in patient follow-up in IC. While 43.1% were considering pursuing an IC subspecialty, only 9.5% had detailed information about it. Duration of practice, gender, self-perceived knowledge, and IC experience were significantly associated with subspecialty tendency (p < 0.001 for all). Multivariate analysis identified self-perceived knowledge (OR = 3.07) and IC experience (OR = 6.70) as independently associated factors for subspecialty tendency, while IC experience was the only significant associated factor for self-perceived knowledge (p < 0.001 for all). Primary motivations included better working conditions and salary, whereas barriers were uncertainty and compulsory service. Top suggestions included strengthening communication and cooperation, increasing self-perceived knowledge, and regulating compulsory service. CONCLUSION: EM physicians show notable interest in IC subspecialty, with self-perceived knowledge and IC experience as the strongest predictors of preference. Strategies to increase subspecialty tendency should include implementing informational programs, enhancing IC rotation quality, improving working conditions, and reviewing compulsory service regulations.