PhytoCare: Journal of Pharmacology and Natural Remedies
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Patients Receiving Antimicrobial Therapy for Nosocomial Infections in [Geographical Location/Setting]
Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections, are a significant public health issue globally, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. While clinical research has focused extensively on the physical and microbiological aspects of these infections, less attention has been given to understanding the emotional and social experiences of patients undergoing antimicrobial therapy. There remains a gap in the literature regarding how patients perceive and make sense of their treatment experiences, particularly in terms of emotional distress, social isolation, and stigma. This study addresses this gap by adopting a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of patients undergoing antimicrobial therapy for nosocomial infections. Using semi-structured interviews with 15 patients, this study employs a qualitative phenomenological methodology to analyze their personal narratives and identify key themes. The study identifies themes such as emotional distress, healthcare providers' perceptions, and the social consequences of treatment. The analysis reveals that patients experience significant emotional and psychological strain, which is often compounded by social isolation and the stigma associated with hospital-acquired infections. The findings suggest that while antimicrobial therapy is medically necessary, its broader social and emotional impacts are often overlooked. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the patient experience, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to care that includes psychological and social support. This study highlights the importance of integrating these considerations into healthcare practice and calls for further research to explore these dimensions across diverse patient populations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sakinah, Nurhabibah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating Consumer Perceptions of Quality and Safety in Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine consumption has become increasingly popular due to its perceived natural benefits, yet concerns regarding product safety and quality remain prevalent. While various studies have examined consumer behavior towards herbal products, few have delved into the subjective experiences that shape consumer perceptions of these products' quality and safety. A significant gap in the literature lies in understanding how these subjective perceptions influence consumer decision-making and trust in herbal medicine. In this study, we employ a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of consumers regarding the quality and safety of herbal medicines, aiming to answer the question: how do consumers perceive the quality and safety of herbal products in the marketplace? Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 herbal medicine consumers, we identify key themes related to the role of packaging, labeling, traditional knowledge, and regulatory standards in shaping perceptions. Thematic analysis revealed that consumers’ perceptions were influenced by their views on product labeling, packaging, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the importance of regulatory standards. These themes directly relate to the research question by offering insights into how consumers differentiate between product quality and safety based on these factors. Our findings reveal that consumers rely heavily on visible indicators of product quality, such as labeling and packaging, while balancing trust in traditional knowledge with concerns over scientific validation and regulation. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how subjective factors influence consumer behavior and trust in herbal products. The study’s implications highlight the need for clearer labeling and better regulation in the herbal medicine industry, offering directions for future research on consumer health product perceptions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Satria, Perdana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Patients' Lived Experiences with New Drug Therapies for Chronic Illnesses: Understanding Perceptions, Emotional Reactions, and Social Impacts
The increasing reliance on pharmaceutical treatments has highlighted the need to better understand the subjective experiences of patients using new medications. While clinical studies have focused on the effectiveness of these drugs, little is known about how patients perceive, emotionally react to, and psychologically cope with their treatment regimens. Existing research often overlooks the emotional and psychological impacts that influence patients’ engagement with medication, as well as the social support that may mitigate negative responses. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring the lived experiences of patients using new drugs for chronic conditions. Here, we employed an interpretative phenomenological approach to investigate how patients perceive the efficacy of their treatment, cope with side effects, and interact with their social environment during the treatment process. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 patients, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to uncover key themes related to emotional reactions, psychological coping strategies, social support systems, and treatment outcomes. The findings revealed that patients' emotional responses to side effects and the social support they receive from family, friends, and healthcare providers significantly influenced their perceptions of treatment success. These results provide valuable insights into the complexities of medication adherence and patient engagement, suggesting that a more holistic approach to treatment, which incorporates both emotional well-being and clinical dimensions, is essential. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of patient experiences, emphasizing the importance of emotional and social factors in treatment engagement, and has implications for future research aimed at improving patient-centered care and enhancing treatment outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ladywa Agansa, M. Zhafron (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Emotional and Psychological Impacts of Patients' Experiences and Perceptions of Cost Reimbursement Policies in Healthcare
Healthcare costs, particularly for chronic conditions, pose significant challenges to patients worldwide. While previous studies have focused on the economic implications of cost reimbursement policies, little is known about how these policies impact the lived experiences of patients. The research gap lies in understanding the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of patients' experiences with cost reimbursement. Here, we show that a phenomenological approach is essential to uncover the deeper meanings behind patients' perceptions and reactions to these policies. Through a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews with 15 patients were conducted. We found that while reimbursement policies provided financial relief, they did not fully alleviate the emotional anxiety or relational concerns that patients experienced. Participants expressed mixed feelings of relief from reduced financial strain, yet ongoing anxiety about the sustainability and adequacy of these policies. These findings suggest that healthcare policies must address both the financial and emotional needs of patients. The study contributes to a more holistic understanding of healthcare policy by emphasizing the importance of incorporating patients’ subjective experiences in policy evaluations, urging future research to explore these dimensions further.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nora Nadipa, Riska Pratama (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Lived Experiences and Personal Meanings of Long-Term Pharmacological Therapy Among Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Pharmacological therapy plays a crucial role in modern medicine, yet its human dimension the lived experience of patients undergoing long-term treatment remains insufficiently explored. Within this broader scientific context, understanding how individuals interpret their interaction with medication offers valuable insights into the psychological and existential aspects of pharmacological care. However, existing research has primarily relied on quantitative or descriptive methods, leaving unanswered how patients construct meaning from their engagement with pharmacological interventions. This study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to explore the essence of patients’ lived experiences with medication and to understand how pharmacological treatment shapes their sense of identity, autonomy, and wellbeing. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with twelve participants receiving long-term pharmacological therapy, and analyzed through iterative thematic interpretation to capture experiential meanings. Findings reveal that participants experience pharmacological therapy as both a source of relief and ambivalence marked by embodied adaptation, moral negotiation, and redefinition of self. The study concludes that pharmacological experiences extend beyond biomedical effectiveness, reflecting an ongoing process of negotiation between the body, mind, and therapeutic trust. In practical terms, the study highlights the need for clinicians to adopt more patient-centered communication strategies, incorporate subjective meanings into treatment planning, and design supportive interventions that address the psychological and relational aspects of long-term medication use.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jaka Fadraersada, Nanang Munif Yasin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding Young Scientists’ Experiences through a Phenomenological Approach of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Drug Discovery and Development
Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in Drug Discovery and Development has transformed scientific methodologies, accelerating molecular identification and therapeutic design while reshaping the human experience of research. Within this changing landscape, understanding how scientists internalize and interpret technological transformation has become a critical aspect of modern scientific inquiry. Despite growing empirical research on AI performance and adoption, little is known about the lived experiences of young scientists adapting to AI-driven systems specifically, how they construct meaning and redefine professional identity through this process. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, this study explores how young pharmaceutical researchers experience, negotiate, and make sense of AI integration in their daily scientific work. To ensure methodological transparency, the IPA design in this study followed core procedures, including purposive sampling, in-depth idiographic case analysis, and a systematic, iterative interpretative process.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants actively involved in preclinical and computational drug discovery. The analysis revealed four interrelated themes: emotional ambivalence, cognitive reorientation, redefined scientific agency, and emergent professional identity. These findings demonstrate that adaptation is not merely procedural but an existential and epistemic transformation, where scientists move from perceiving AI as a threat to embracing it as a collaborative partner in knowledge creation. The study contributes to a more human-centered understanding of technological innovation in pharmaceutical research. Its implications suggest the need for reflective training, institutional support, and ethical awareness in managing AI transitions, ensuring that human agency and interpretive meaning remain central to future scientific advancement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Harra Ismi Farah, Putri Anggraeni (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Healing through Herbal Remedies: A Phenomenological Study of Individuals with Chronic Illnesses
Natural and herbal remedies have gained increasing global attention as alternative approaches to health and healing, emphasizing the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. Within this context, the phenomenological study of patients’ lived experiences provides a crucial lens for understanding the personal and cultural meanings of natural healing practices. Despite growing research on the pharmacological and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine, little is known about how individuals experience and ascribe meaning to the healing process itself. This study addresses this gap by employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how individuals with chronic illnesses construct and interpret their experiences with herbal remedies. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with twelve participants who had used herbal treatments for more than six months. Thematic analysis revealed five interrelated themes: reclaiming control through natural healing, the spiritual dimension of recovery, negotiation between traditional and modern medicine, emotional restoration, and the social and cultural meaning of herbal practices. These findings highlight that healing through herbal remedies is perceived not merely as a biomedical process but as a transformative, meaning-filled experience rooted in cultural heritage and personal empowerment. The study concludes that natural healing represents a holistic reconfiguration of wellness an alignment between body, mind, and nature reflecting both individual agency and cultural continuity. These insights not only deepen current understandings of holistic medicine but also underscore the need for healthcare practitioners to integrate culturally grounded, patient-centered perspectives into treatment approaches. Future research should explore how phenomenological insights can inform policies and clinical guidelines that support more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare models.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Salam Hamzah, Munifah Wahyuddin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploration of Patients’ Lived Experiences during Chemotherapy within Clinical Pharmacological Care
Pharmaceutical science has increasingly recognized the importance of understanding patients’ lived experiences as an essential component of therapeutic success. Within this field, chemotherapy represents a complex intersection of pharmacological efficacy, emotional endurance, and existential meaning, yet its subjective dimensions remain underexplored. Despite advances in clinical outcomes research, little is known about how patients experience, interpret, and give meaning to their encounters with pharmacological treatment in real-life contexts. This study addresses that gap by applying a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of cancer patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy and to uncover the essence of their therapeutic journey. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants and analyzed thematically to capture the experiential and relational meanings of pharmacological care. The findings revealed five essential themes: the embodiment of suffering and endurance, trust and uncertainty in pharmacological care, negotiation between herbal and conventional therapies, reconstruction of identity through illness, and the transformative role of empathy in clinical encounters. These results demonstrate that healing extends beyond biomedical efficacy to encompass emotional, relational, and spiritual transformation shaped by empathy and patient agency. The study contributes to qualitative pharmaceutical research by offering a deeper understanding of how pharmacological treatment is lived, not merely administered. However, this study acknowledges methodological limitations, including its small, context-specific sample and reliance on self-reported narratives, which may limit transferability. These insights have significant implications for developing empathy-driven, patient-centered pharmaceutical care models and for guiding future research integrating phenomenological methods in pharmacological sciences.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vely Mandoni, Junaidi Khotib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Lived Experience and Meaning of Immunotherapy Among Cancer Patients
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics increasingly recognize that the effectiveness of cancer treatments extends beyond biological outcomes to encompass patients’ lived experiences. Within this context, immunotherapy presents a unique clinical and emotional landscape where patients face unpredictable side effects and evolving perceptions of healing. However, little is known about how patients interpret and adapt to these challenges, leaving the existential dimensions of treatment underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy make sense of their experiences through a phenomenological lens. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve patients receiving immunotherapy at a tertiary oncology center. Participants ranged in age from 35 to 68 years and included both male and female patients diagnosed with various cancer types, primarily melanoma and lung cancer. Data were analyzed through iterative thematic interpretation, revealing five interrelated themes: living with uncertainty, negotiating bodily control, developing emotional resilience, experiencing empathetic communication, and reconstructing meaning beyond illness. The findings demonstrate that patients transform vulnerability into empowerment through adaptive meaning-making, redefining their relationship with illness and the body. This interpretative framework provides a holistic understanding of immunotherapy that integrates medical, emotional, and existential perspectives. Despite these valuable insights, the study is limited by its small sample size and single-center recruitment, which may restrict the generalizability of findings to broader cancer populations or different healthcare contexts. Future studies with larger and more diverse samples are needed to validate and extend these findings. These results highlight the importance of incorporating phenomenological insights into patient-centered oncology care. By acknowledging patients’ subjective experiences, clinicians and researchers can foster more empathetic, reflective, and effective therapeutic practices that align biomedical treatment with the lived realities of those it seeks to heal.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sulaiman, Seventyna Rahayu Hardika (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Ethical Awareness and Lived Experiences of Scientists in Marine-Based Drug Discovery: A Phenomenological Study within Coastal Biomedical Research Contexts
Marine-based drug discovery has emerged as a vital frontier in pharmaceutical science, offering vast opportunities for identifying bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study explores how scientists engaged in marine-based drug discovery experience and interpret their scientific and ethical involvement within this field. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve researchers actively engaged in marine drug development to uncover the experiential, ethical, and emotional dimensions of their work. Findings reveal three key themes: (1) curiosity-driven exploration that fuels innovation and resilience; (2) ethical negotiation balancing scientific ambition with ecological responsibility; and (3) collaborative reflection fostering shared moral and intellectual purpose. These themes demonstrate that discovery is not merely technical but deeply moral and emotional, shaped by both personal reflection and collective responsibility. The study concludes that integrating phenomenological perspectives enhances understanding of scientific creativity, ethics, and sustainability in marine-based innovation. It highlights the need for future research and policy frameworks that recognize the lived ethical awareness of scientists as central to responsible drug discovery.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eka Tri Wulandari, Aprina (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lived Experiences and Healing Meanings of Postoperative Patients Using Traditional Herbal Remedies
Traditional herbal medicine remains an essential element in many societies’ healing practices, representing an intersection between cultural heritage and modern healthcare. Within the field of natural and herbal remedies, current knowledge largely emphasizes pharmacological efficacy while overlooking the lived experiences that shape patients’ perceptions of healing. However, little is known about how patients interpret and internalize their recovery through herbal use in contemporary clinical contexts, particularly following surgical procedures. This qualitative study fills that gap by employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to explore how postoperative patients construct meaning from their experiences with herbal remedies during recovery, thereby offering a novel perspective that integrates cultural, psychological, and existential dimensions often absent in prior pharmacological research. Data were gathered from twelve postoperative patients (aged 28–65; 7 females and 5 males) who combined prescribed medical treatments with traditional herbal remedies after surgery. Each participant was interviewed through in-depth, semi-structured sessions lasting 60–90 minutes. The transcripts were analyzed following Smith’s IPA framework, involving iterative coding, theme clustering, and interpretative synthesis to ensure credibility and depth of interpretation. The analysis revealed four essential themes: emotional serenity, social support, spiritual resonance, and trust in natural safety. Together, these themes illustrate that herbal healing is not solely a physical process but a symbolic and existential act of reconnection—with self, community, and nature. This study’s novelty lies in its illumination of how postoperative recovery through herbal medicine embodies a culturally grounded sense of healing that transcends biomedical paradigms. The findings demonstrate that recovery through herbal medicine is understood as a holistic balance between body, mind, and spirituality. By bridging experiential narratives with cultural symbolism, these insights advance our understanding of healing as a meaning-making experience, emphasizing the value of integrating cultural and emotional dimensions into patient care. The study’s implications extend to the development of culturally sensitive healthcare models and open pathways for future interdisciplinary research combining phenomenology, medical science, and cultural studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kristiani Murti Kisid, Afianti Sulastri (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Patients’ Experiences and Meanings of Pharmacogenomic-Based Individualized Therapy in Primary Healthcare
Pharmaceutical science has increasingly embraced pharmacogenomics, a discipline exploring how genetic variations influence individual drug responses, marking a major shift toward personalized medicine. Within this transformation, patients’ lived experiences of pharmacogenomic-based therapy remain insufficiently understood, particularly regarding how they perceive, interpret, and adapt to genetically informed treatment. Despite progress in clinical research, little is known about the emotional, ethical, and existential meanings patients attach to such therapies—raising the question of how individuals make sense of personalized treatment that intertwines science and identity. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, this study explores the essence of patients’ experiences with pharmacogenomic-guided diabetes therapy in primary healthcare contexts. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with twelve participants, and analyzed thematically to identify core experiential themes. Findings reveal that patients view pharmacogenomic therapy as both a biomedical advancement and a personal journey characterized by trust negotiation, emotional ambivalence, and redefinition of health and normality. The study demonstrates that genetic personalization reshapes patients’ understanding of self and responsibility, extending beyond medical compliance to moral and existential reflection. However, the study is limited by its small sample size and context-specific focus within primary healthcare settings, which may affect the generalizability of findings. By uncovering these lived meanings, the research advances a more human-centered understanding of pharmacogenomics, emphasizing empathy, ethical awareness, and reflective practice in precision medicine. These insights encourage future interdisciplinary studies to integrate phenomenological inquiry into the evolving landscape of genomic healthcare.
Copyright (c) 2025 Handri Maika Saputra, M. Arifki Zainaro (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Lived Experiences of Meaning, Pain, and Hope in Cancer Patients Undergoing Combined Therapy
Cancer treatment, as a major domain of pharmacological research, has evolved through significant advances in immunotherapy and chemotherapy, yet its human dimension remains underexplored. Within this growing field, limited attention has been given to the lived experiences of patients undergoing combined cancer therapies and the meanings they construct through their treatment journeys. What remains insufficiently understood is how patients interpret their embodied suffering, resilience, and spiritual transformation in response to pharmacological interventions. The primary objective of this study is to explore how individuals undergoing combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy make sense of their treatment experiences, focusing specifically on how they reconstruct personal meaning, cope with pain, and sustain hope amid clinical uncertainty. This study employs an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore how individuals undergoing combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy make sense of their treatment experiences and reconstruct personal meaning amid pain and uncertainty. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten participants, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using IPA to uncover patterns of embodiment, pain, hope, and spiritual renewal. The findings reveal that treatment is experienced as an existential negotiation between the body’s vulnerability and the mind’s search for meaning, where healing transcends clinical success to include psychological and spiritual dimensions. This research highlights that patients’ healing experiences are not limited to physiological outcomes but encompass broader existential and emotional renewal. However, the study acknowledges several limitations. The small sample size restricts generalizability, and participants were drawn from a single clinical setting, which may limit contextual diversity. Future research should expand participant demographics and explore longitudinal dimensions of patient adaptation to therapy. This phenomenological insight bridges the gap between pharmacological efficacy and lived human experience, emphasizing the need for holistic, patient-centered approaches in cancer care. By integrating these insights, the study contributes to the ongoing dialogue between pharmacology and the human sciences, offering a foundation for more compassionate and interdisciplinary models of cancer treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Islaeli, Titi Astuti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Lived Experiences and Personal Meanings of Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Patients Undergoing Targeted Therapy for Advanced Solid Tumors
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment, significantly affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Despite advancements in targeted therapy as a modern oncology approach, there remains a critical research gap in understanding the subjective and lived meanings of fatigue specifically within the context of targeted therapy, as most prior studies have predominantly focused on biological mechanisms or pharmacological management. However, little is known about how patients interpret, experience, and manage CRF within the context of targeted therapy, leading to the central question: How do patients make sense of fatigue during treatment? Here, we adopt an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to explore patients’ lived experiences of CRF and uncover the underlying meanings associated with this phenomenon. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 cancer patients receiving targeted therapy, and data were analyzed through thematic interpretation using IPA techniques. Four central themes emerged: the overwhelming nature of fatigue, challenges in maintaining daily roles, coping strategies adopted to manage energy and emotions, and redefining quality of life through meaning-making processes. These findings reveal that fatigue is not merely a biological symptom but a multidimensional experience embedded within personal, emotional, and sociocultural contexts. The study offers a deeper understanding of how CRF reshapes patients’ identities and daily lives, providing critical insights for designing patient-centered care models and supportive interventions. These findings also open opportunities for future research to explore cross-cultural perspectives and longitudinal changes in patients’ narratives, ultimately advancing holistic oncology practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Miftahul Jannah, Wira Irawan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Researchers’ Experiences and Meaning-Making in Antiviral Drug Discovery Teams
Antiviral drug discovery has become a critical focus of global biomedical research, particularly in the post-pandemic era where rapid innovation and collaborative strategies are required. While significant advancements have been made in molecular design and clinical testing, little is known about the subjective experiences of researchers navigating complex decision-making within multidisciplinary teams. This study addresses this gap by exploring how researchers construct meaning, manage uncertainty, and respond to ethical dilemmas during antiviral drug development. Drawing on an interpretative phenomenological approach, the study involved fifteen researchers (9 male, 6 female) from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including virology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical pharmacology. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews lasting 60–90 minutes each and analyzed using a systematic, multi-stage thematic interpretation process with inter-coder reliability checks to ensure analytical rigor. The findings reveal four interrelated themes: navigating uncertainty under time pressure, managing collaborative tensions, confronting ethical challenges, and fostering resilience through adaptive learning. These results demonstrate that scientific progress is shaped not only by technical expertise but also by researchers’ interpretations, values, and professional identities. The study offers important implications for improving multidisciplinary teamwork, institutional policies, and adaptive learning strategies in antiviral drug discovery. These insights contribute to a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon and open new directions for future research examining diverse contexts and collaborative models.
Copyright (c) 2025 Diah Faradina, Siti Fatimah Sultan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Experiences of Transitioning from Pharmaceuticals to Herbal Remedies
The growing global interest in natural and herbal medicines reflects a shift toward alternative health practices, yet little is known about how individuals experience the transition from pharmaceutical medications to self-prepared herbal remedies. Despite increasing research on efficacy and safety, few studies have explored the subjective meanings, emotional transformations, and cultural influences underlying this phenomenon. The knowledge gap lies in understanding how individuals construct personal meaning during this transition and what emotional, cultural, and existential factors shape their decision-making processes. Here, we adopt a hermeneutic phenomenological approach combined with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of individuals shifting to herbal autonomy and provide insights into their meaning-making processes. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and reflective journals from 18 participants and analyzed systematically to identify emergent themes. Four key themes were revealed: emotional transformation, trust in cultural identity, navigating uncertainty and risks, and healing beyond the physical body. The findings demonstrate that participants’ choices were deeply rooted in personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and a search for autonomy rather than biomedical efficacy alone. These results contribute to a more holistic understanding of health-related decision-making and highlight the need for integrative healthcare models that respect subjective experiences and cultural contexts. Future studies should explore diverse populations and combine phenomenological inquiry with quantitative measures to develop broader, patient-centered frameworks in herbal medicine research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yosi Novita Andriani, Lokot Mardiana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Lived Experiences and Meaning-Making in Pharmaceutical Care Among Patients in Indonesia’s Public Healthcare System
Pharmaceutical science plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes by developing effective therapeutic strategies, yet little is understood about how individuals experience and interpret these treatments within their personal and social contexts. Despite growing attention to patient-centered care, previous research has primarily focused on clinical outcomes, leaving limited understanding of the subjective meanings patients attach to their treatment journeys. This study addresses this gap by asking: How do individuals make sense of their pharmaceutical care experiences, and what meaning do these experiences hold for their well-being? Using a phenomenological approach, the study explores the essence of patients’ lived experiences and provides an in-depth understanding of their perceptions and coping mechanisms. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 participants and analyzed thematically using Colaizzi’s phenomenological framework. To ensure methodological rigor, the seven-step Colaizzi process was strictly followed, including returning significant statements to participants for validation (member checking) and incorporating expert peer debriefing, thereby enhancing credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. Four key themes emerged: emotional uncertainty during treatment, dependency on healthcare professionals, adaptive coping strategies, and evolving perceptions of quality of life. These findings reveal that patients’ experiences are shaped not only by biomedical factors but also by social, emotional, and existential dimensions influencing decision-making and treatment adherence. The phenomenological approach enabled the identification of meaning structures underlying participants’ narratives, offering insights beyond conventional clinical measures. These results contribute to advancing patient-centered pharmaceutical care by highlighting the importance of integrating personal narratives into therapeutic decision-making. The study also provides a foundation for future research aimed at developing holistic care models that combine clinical efficacy with a deeper understanding of patients’ lived experiences.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nazwah Shafrina Ayu, Anis Zahra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Patients’ Lived Experiences and Meaning-Making in Pharmacological Treatment Contexts
Pharmacological treatments play a crucial role in managing chronic illnesses and complex medical conditions, yet their impact on patients’ subjective experiences remains underexplored. While biomedical research has advanced our understanding of drug efficacy and safety, fewer studies have investigated how individuals construct meaning around their treatment journeys within emotional, social, and cultural contexts. However, limited qualitative evidence exists on how pharmacological interventions shape patients’ identities, trust, and sense of control, leaving a critical knowledge gap regarding the lived experiences of those undergoing such treatments. Here, we apply an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to explore how patients experience, interpret, and adapt to pharmacological treatment within their personal and sociocultural realities. Participants were recruited purposively to capture diverse experiences in terms of age, gender, diagnosis, and treatment duration, ensuring variation in perspectives. The final sample consisted of twelve participants (7 women and 5 men), aged between 30 and 65 years, all of whom had been undergoing long-term pharmacological treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to identify patterns of meaning-making and emotional responses. The analysis revealed four overarching themes: navigating uncertainty related to side effects, reconstructing identity through chronic medication use, negotiating trust within physician-patient relationships, and seeking meaning and agency in treatment decisions. These findings demonstrate that pharmacological treatment involves far more than physiological outcomes; it encompasses complex psychological adjustments and sociocultural influences. The study contributes to a patient-centered understanding of pharmacological care and highlights the importance of integrating subjective experiences into clinical decision-making. By clarifying the rationale for sampling and participant characteristics, this study provides greater transparency regarding its scope and applicability. These insights offer a foundation for future research exploring cross-cultural perspectives and longitudinal patterns of meaning-making in pharmacological contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nadhira Humaira, Lala Julia Bobby Siahaan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lived Experiences of Rural Elderly Managing Antihypertensive Side Effects: A Phenomenological Study
Hypertension management in elderly populations is a critical concern in global public health, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care remains limited. While pharmacological control is often emphasized, little is known about how elderly individuals subjectively experience the side effects of antihypertensive medications. Despite advances in treatment adherence strategies, few studies have captured the emotional, cultural, and existential dimensions of chronic medication use among rural elderly populations. This study addresses the question: how do elderly patients in rural communities perceive, interpret, and respond to the side effects of antihypertensive therapy? Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, this study uncovers the lived experiences of rural elderly patients and interprets the meaning they assign to their bodily and emotional responses to medication. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten participants and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework supported by MAXQDA software. The findings reveal five key themes: bodily disruptions, emotional negotiation, cultural reinterpretation, adaptive coping, and silent endurance. These themes illustrate how medication side effects are interwoven with the patients’ sense of identity, daily functioning, and sociocultural context. Rather than passive recipients of care, participants emerged as active agents in managing their experiences through culturally informed and emotionally responsive strategies. These insights highlight the need for more empathetic and culturally sensitive healthcare practices in geriatric pharmacotherapy and suggest directions for future research that prioritize patient narratives as valid sources of clinical knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2025 Putri Anisa Purnama (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Navigating Therapeutic Ambiguity: Patient Narratives on Off-Label Drug Use in Rare Disease Management
This study explores the lived experiences of patients using off-label medications to treat rare diseases, focusing on the emotional and existential challenges they face. Rare diseases often present limited treatment options, prompting patients to turn to off-label drugs when conventional therapies fail. The research employs a descriptive phenomenological approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with ten patients to uncover how they navigate the uncertainty surrounding off-label use. Thematic analysis identified four core themes: off-label treatment as a last resort for hope, the ethical and emotional complexities of uncertain medical decisions, the influence of family dynamics, and the assertion of personal agency. Findings emphasize that off-label drug use is not just a clinical decision but a deeply personal journey marked by hope, fear, moral dilemmas, and a desire for autonomy. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on rare diseases and off-label drug use by highlighting the profound psychological and relational impacts on patients, offering new insights for patient-centered care, and suggesting the importance of integrating these narratives into clinical practice and policy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ririn Ratnasari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lived Experiences of Cancer Patients Managing Treatment Side Effects through Personalized Pharmacotherapy
Cancer treatment often leads to significant side effects that impact patients' quality of life. While personalized pharmacotherapy has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, less is known about its emotional and psychological effects on patients. This study seeks to explore the lived experiences of cancer patients managing treatment side effects through personalized pharmacotherapy, addressing the gap in understanding how individualized treatments influence patients' emotional well-being. We use a phenomenological approach to gain insights into how cancer patients perceive and cope with treatment side effects and how personalized care affects their overall experience. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven cancer patients undergoing personalized pharmacotherapy, and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and meanings. The analysis revealed that personalized treatment significantly enhances patients' sense of control and emotional well-being, helping them better manage side effects and improving their quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of integrating personalized pharmacotherapy into cancer treatment plans while acknowledging limitations such as the small sample size and single-center recruitment, which may restrict generalizability. Future studies with larger and more diverse populations are needed to validate and expand these findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Riska Amaliah, Mila Aisyah Husein (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Integrating Digital Technologies and Molecular Therapies in Clinical Trials
The integration of digital technologies and new molecular therapies in drug development has brought both opportunities and challenges in clinical practice. While much research has focused on the technical and procedural aspects of these innovations, there is limited understanding of the subjective experiences of healthcare professionals navigating these changes. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding how professionals experience and interpret the integration of digital tools and novel therapies in clinical trials. We adopt a descriptive phenomenological approach (Colaizzi’s method) to explore the lived experiences of healthcare professionals. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, comprising 7 physicians, 3 clinical pharmacists, and 2 clinical trial coordinators. The participants ranged in age from 32 to 54 years (average 42), with 6 males and 6 females, and an average professional experience of 11.5 years in clinical research. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to a three-stage coding process (open, axial, and selective coding) to identify core themes. Credibility was ensured through member checking and peer debriefing, while triangulation of data sources enhanced validity. Through this process, four key themes emerged: (1) enthusiasm toward improved patient monitoring and real-time data access; (2) resistance due to steep learning curves in adopting digital platforms; (3) concerns over data security, regulatory compliance, and patient safety; and (4) the emotional burden of adapting to rapid innovation while maintaining ethical responsibility. Participants highlighted the positive potential of these innovations, alongside challenges in training, data management, and patient safety. The findings contribute to a more holistic understanding of the human factors that shape the adoption of innovations in clinical practice, emphasizing the emotional and cognitive challenges faced by professionals. These insights offer valuable implications for future research and the development of more effective strategies for integrating technological advancements in clinical trials.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alfi Rahmi, Leli Astuti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phenomenological Exploration of Herbal Remedy Use in Hypertension Management
Hypertension is a major global health issue, with significant implications for cardiovascular diseases. While pharmaceutical treatments are commonly used to manage hypertension, there is increasing interest in alternative therapies, particularly herbal remedies, which are often culturally embedded in patients’ health practices. However, little is known about the subjective experiences of individuals using herbal remedies for hypertension, particularly in relation to their cultural and emotional connections to these treatments. This study addresses this gap by exploring the lived experiences of individuals using herbal remedies for managing hypertension. We use a phenomenological approach to uncover the meanings and personal significance individuals attach to herbal treatments. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, who shared their experiences and perceptions of using herbal remedies. Data were analyzed thematically using Colaizzi’s seven-step framework, which allowed for systematic extraction of significant statements, formulation of meanings, clustering of themes, and validation with participants. Findings revealed that participants view herbal remedies as not just therapeutic tools but also sources of empowerment and cultural continuity. Participants reported a deep connection to their health and cultural traditions through the use of herbal remedies. These findings contribute to the understanding of herbal medicine by emphasizing the importance of considering personal and cultural dimensions when evaluating treatment options. However, the study is limited by its small sample size and focus on a single cultural context, which may affect the generalizability of the results. The implications of this research suggest that healthcare providers should integrate patients' subjective experiences into treatment plans, especially when alternative therapies are involved.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria C.Y Hukubun, Elsye Gunawan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lived Experiences of Cancer Patients Managing Treatment Side Effects with Supportive Pharmaceutical Therapies
Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, is associated with a range of physical and psychological side effects that significantly impact patients' quality of life. While supportive pharmaceutical therapies have been used to mitigate these effects, the subjective experiences of patients in managing these side effects remain underexplored. Despite the growing body of research on cancer treatment, there is a lack of in-depth understanding regarding the emotional and psychological dimensions of managing medication side effects through supportive care. This study aims to address this gap by employing a phenomenological approach to explore cancer patients' lived experiences with supportive pharmaceutical therapies. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 cancer patients (6 women and 4 men, aged 35–65) undergoing chemotherapy at a tertiary care hospital in [country/region]. The analysis revealed three main themes: (1) the struggle with unpredictable physical symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and neuropathy; (2) the emotional burden marked by anxiety, fear of recurrence, and social withdrawal; and (3) the restorative role of supportive pharmaceutical therapies in fostering emotional resilience and restoring a sense of control over daily life. While these therapies alleviated physical symptoms, patients emphasized their particular role in reducing stigma, improving sleep quality, and enhancing family interactions. However, the findings should be interpreted within the contextual limitations of a single-site study with a relatively small sample size, which may not capture the diversity of experiences across different cancer types or cultural backgrounds. These findings contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of integrating mental health support into cancer treatment regimens and underscore the need for more holistic, patient-centered care. The study's implications suggest that future research should further explore the integration of supportive care in oncology, particularly its emotional and psychological impact on patients' quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jehosua SV.Sinolungan, Islaeli (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Elderly Patients’ Experiences with Antihypertensive Side Effects and Medication Adherence
Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition that requires long-term medication management, with antihypertensive drugs commonly prescribed to elderly patients. However, side effects from these medications can significantly affect patients’ adherence to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. Despite extensive research on adherence, little is known about the subjective experiences of elderly patients regarding the emotional and cognitive impact of these side effects. In this study, we address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of elderly patients managing antihypertensive side effects through a phenomenological approach. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), we analyzed interviews with nine elderly patients (aged 65–79 years; 5 females and 4 males) who shared their experiences with medication side effects and pharmacist counseling. Our findings reveal that side effects are not just physical but also evoke feelings of fear, frustration, and uncertainty, along with cognitive challenges in remembering medication schedules, all of which impact adherence. Furthermore, effective pharmacist-patient communication emerged as a crucial facilitator for improving understanding, reducing anxiety, and promoting adherence. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the subjective factors influencing medication adherence, highlighting the need for patient-centered care in the management of chronic illnesses. However, this study is limited by its small sample size and single-site setting, which may restrict generalizability. This study paves the way for future research exploring the role of emotional support and communication in improving medication adherence among elderly populations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Astri Yulia Sari Lubis, Ninik Nurhidayah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Chemotherapy and the Inner Journey: Interpreting Breast Cancer Patients’ Lived Meanings of Treatment Side Effects
Understanding the emotional and existential dimensions of chemotherapy is essential to improving patient-centered oncology care. This study explores how breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy construct personal meaning from their treatment experiences. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten women who had completed at least two chemotherapy cycles. Data were thematically analyzed to capture patterns of meaning-making. Four key themes emerged: (1) the tension between fear and hope, (2) embodied vulnerability, (3) spiritual and existential reframing of suffering, and (4) trust in medical professionals. Participants described side effects as both distressing and symbolic of therapeutic progress, leading to shifts in self-perception, resilience, and identity. Chemotherapy was experienced not only as a biomedical procedure but as a transformative journey. Integrating patients’ voices into care can strengthen therapeutic alliances, enhance emotional adherence, and support holistic strategies that address psychological, spiritual, and cultural dimensions alongside symptom managemen
Copyright (c) 2025 Ismyana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Confronting Mortality with Hope: An Exploration of Cancer Patients’ Experiences in Experimental Oncology Trials
In the face of life-threatening illness, patients participating in early-phase oncology trials often confront a complex blend of uncertainty, hope, and existential vulnerability. This study explores how cancer patients make sense of their engagement with experimental drug therapies, revealing the emotional and psychological dimensions that extend beyond clinical outcomes. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with ten patients (six women and four men, aged 34–68 years) diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, all of whom had participated in early-phase clinical trials at a national cancer center. Four central themes emerged: negotiating the emotional impact of uncertainty, sustaining hope as a form of existential resilience, confronting the loss of bodily autonomy, and placing trust in medical professionals amidst ambiguity. These narratives demonstrate how trial participation becomes more than a medical decision—it transforms into a deeply personal journey shaped by fear, meaning-making, and the assertion of agency in the face of mortality. Unlike purely biomedical assessments, this study offers a human-centered understanding of what it means to engage in medical experimentation under existential pressure. The findings advocate for more ethically attuned clinical trial protocols that embrace patients’ emotional narratives and support structures that recognize their lived realities. This research contributes to the development of patient-centered frameworks in experimental oncology and calls for future interdisciplinary inquiry into the emotional landscape of clinical innovation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marson Maizi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Embodied Healing: Exploring Cultural Identity and Spiritual Meaning in Herbal Remedy Practices of Indonesian Cancer Patients
This study investigates the multifaceted meanings associated with herbal remedy use among Indonesian cancer patients, focusing on how traditional practices are experienced as acts of cultural affirmation, spiritual resilience, and personal empowerment. While herbal medicine is frequently evaluated through biomedical or clinical frameworks, this research adopts an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the deeply subjective and symbolic dimensions of healing. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit twelve adult cancer patients from both urban and rural areas of Central Java, Indonesia, all of whom regularly incorporated herbal therapies into their treatment journeys. Data were collected through in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted in private hospital consultation rooms or participants’ homes between March and June 2024. Thematic analysis revealed that herbal use transcends symptom management, becoming a process of reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, sustaining emotional balance, and asserting agency amidst medical uncertainty. Participants reported that these practices provided not only physical comfort but also spiritual clarity and cultural rootedness, especially when navigating the limitations of institutional healthcare. Herbal remedies were framed as sacred rituals, family legacies, and existential coping tools that fostered holistic well-being. This study challenges reductive views of complementary therapies and highlights the role of meaning-making in health behaviors. The insights emphasize the need for culturally competent and patient-centered integrative care that recognizes the narrative, spiritual, and emotional frameworks patients employ in their healing. These findings contribute to broader discussions on the role of traditional medicine in contemporary health systems, particularly within culturally diverse populations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ermansyah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Embodied Struggles and Meaning-Making: Cancer Patients’ Lived Experiences Undergoing Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy has transformed cancer treatment through its molecular precision and reduced toxicity, but the lived experiences of patients undergoing such therapy remain insufficiently understood. This descriptive phenomenological study involved in-depth interviews with 12 cancer patients receiving targeted therapy at a tertiary hospital. Participants were purposively selected, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to capture the essence of their lived experiences. Three core themes emerged: (1) the invisible burden of persistent side effects, (2) reconstruction of meaning amidst suffering, and (3) negotiation of agency in healthcare interactions. Participants reported fatigue, nausea, and bodily changes that disrupted identity and autonomy, yet also described resilience and personal growth through spiritual reflection and empathetic communication. Findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to targeted therapy that integrates patients’ emotional, spiritual, and relational realities into oncology care. Strengthening patient-provider trust and prioritizing quality of life can foster more humanized and patient-centered treatment paradigms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Jumhati (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring Pharmacists’ Lived Experiences in Implementing Nanoemulsion Technology in Herbal Compounding: A Phenomenological Study
Pharmaceutical technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, introducing innovative drug delivery systems that challenge traditional compounding practices. Within this evolving landscape, the integration of nanoemulsion technology for herbal topical preparations has emerged as a significant development in pharmacy practice, particularly in Indonesia's hospital and community pharmacy settings. However, little is known about how pharmacists experience and adapt to this innovation in these contexts. Existing research has largely focused on technical or clinical outcomes, leaving a gap in our understanding of the subjective, professional meanings pharmacists assign to adopting new technologies. This study addresses this gap by employing a phenomenological approach to explore how pharmacists perceive and make sense of implementing nanoemulsion technology in herbal compounding within these settings. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve pharmacists experienced in nanoemulsion-based herbal formulations, and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results reveal that pharmacists experience a dynamic process of professional transformation, balancing scientific rigor with traditional values, overcoming institutional challenges, and deriving satisfaction from positive patient outcomes. Collaborative peer interactions and adaptive learning processes directly contribute to pharmacists’ ability to negotiate tensions between innovation and tradition, which in turn facilitate improved patient care outcomes. These findings provide rich, contextualized insights that move beyond technical performance, offering a deeper understanding of the lived realities behind technological change in pharmacy. This research highlights the need to support pharmacists’ adaptation processes and suggests that future studies should further investigate how professional and cultural contexts shape the integration of advanced technologies in healthcare practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yatiah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0