Understanding the issues and challenges in the implementation of nursing services in primary health care: A qualitative study in Garut, West Java, Indonesia

Background: Primary healthcare centers provide a wide range of healthcare services, with nurses playing pivotal roles in maintaining the quality of care. To enhance nurse performance, it is essential to gain insights into their experiences regarding the implementation of nursing services in these institutions. Objective: This study aimed to explore the issues and challenges related to nursing services in primary health care centers through the perspectives of Indonesian nurses. Methods: Qualitative research using a phenomenological approach was conducted. Twelve nurses from primary health care centers were purposively selected as study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews between January 2022 and March 2022. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: The analysis yielded five main themes: 1) Working with additional roles and duties, 2) Uncertainty regarding nurses’ roles and functions, 3) Nurses' concerns about the nursing profession, 4) Barriers to implementing nursing services, and 5) Nurses' expectations concerning nursing services. Conclusion: Nurses in primary health care centers face challenges in fully carrying out nursing services. Numerous issues and obstacles exist in the provision of nursing services at primary healthcare facilities. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen the authority and autonomy of nurses working in primary health care settings.