Lived experiences of frontline healthcare workers serving in Indonesia's COVID-19-designated hospital

Background: While COVID-19 affects all aspects of life, it especially implicates frontline healthcare workers due to their vulnerable involvement in first-line treatment. This study presents the lived experiences of frontline healthcare workers serving in Indonesia's COVID-19-designated hospital, a severely afflicted setting where resource challenges, public health crisis, and political constraints intersect. Methods: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive study using hermeneutic phenomenology drew on thirteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews with frontline healthcare workers providing first-line COVID-19 care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using van Manen’s phenomenological principles. Results: Eight interconnected themes emerged: facing resource scarcity and resignation; service-induced burnout due to occupational workload; fears of being infected and infecting others; positivity and social connectedness; dilemmas over healthcare rationing; negative emotions during patient interactions; coping through spirituality and religiosity; and embodying a life of service. Conclusion: Managing healthcare in resource-limited crisis settings presents multifaceted challenges exceeding structural modifications and requires prioritized public health investment to ensure optimal patient care. Policy development and implementation should emphasize frontline healthcare workers’ well-being to sustain healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Ayu Puspita Ningrum, Mette Missel