A Phenomenological Exploration of the Meaning of Family Physicians’ Roles in Urban Chronic Illness Care in Indonesia
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Abstract
Chronic illness management in urban healthcare systems is a critical issue in contemporary family medicine, where physicians face increasing demands to provide long-term, person-centered care. While clinical frameworks exist to guide chronic care, little is known about how family physicians subjectively experience and interpret their roles in such complex environments. Existing research lacks depth in capturing the lived meanings behind physicians’ practices, prompting the central question: How do family physicians make sense of their roles in managing chronic illness in urban settings? This study uses a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of twelve family physicians practicing in Jakarta, Indonesia, with an average of 9.2 years of clinical experience, through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method to extract essential themes. The findings reveal four key themes: navigating fragmented systems, sustaining empathy under pressure, assuming roles as educators and advocates, and balancing ideals with systemic constraints. These themes highlight the moral, emotional, and relational dimensions of chronic care that are often overshadowed by institutional priorities. The results underscore the importance of understanding physicians’ inner experiences to inform more humane, sustainable practices in urban primary care. This study contributes to a deeper, experience-based understanding of chronic care delivery and provides actionable insights to guide professional development programs, policy improvements, and future research into the emotional and ethical dimensions of frontline medical practice.
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References
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