An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of Telehealth Experiences Among Community Nurses in Rural Indonesia

Abstract

Digital health innovations, particularly telehealth, are transforming healthcare delivery, especially in underserved rural communities. While technological integration has progressed rapidly, little is known about how community nurses interpret and adapt to these changes in contexts where cultural values and relational care remain central. Existing research has focused mainly on technical implementation, leaving a gap in understanding the lived experiences of nurses at the frontline of digital transitions. This study uses an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore how community nurses in rural Indonesia make sense of their roles and relationships in the context of telehealth adoption. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten community nurses were conducted and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and meanings. The results revealed four main themes: balancing technology with human connection, confronting infrastructural and emotional challenges, redefining professional identity, and adapting psychosocially within local social structures. These findings suggest that telehealth is experienced not merely as a tool, but as a transformative force that reshapes nurses’ sense of self, care delivery, and patient interaction. This study contributes to a more human-centered understanding of digital health by emphasizing the social and emotional dimensions of telehealth implementation. These insights call for future research and policy to integrate technological innovation with contextualized support for healthcare providers in low-resource settings.