Within intensive care units (ICUs), close attention to symptom management and clear awareness of therapeutic goals are fundamental when caring for patients with life-threatening conditions. These demands illustrate why embedding palliative care into ICU practice is increasingly important. Although it carries clear benefits, numerous obstacles still prevent the seamless incorporation of palliative care approaches in this setting. In particular, a substantial proportion of healthcare professionals (HCPs) practicing in Indonesian ICUs have yet to utilize palliative care strategies fully. The present study was designed to examine and elucidate the personal experiences of healthcare providers (HCPs) who deliver palliative care to patients admitted to ICUs in Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive-phenomenological design was used in this investigation. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews involving four nurses and three doctors employed at a hospital in Indonesia. Analysis of the transcribed interviews followed Colaizzi’s procedural steps.
Six distinct themes emerged from the interview data, capturing the lived experiences of healthcare professionals providing palliative care in the ICU. These themes are: 1) provide professional caring, 2) caring and curing collaboration, 3) quality intensive communication, 4) end-of-life care, 5) controlling feelings, and 6) provide holistic caring. Delivering effective care to ICU patients requires more than clinical proficiency on the part of HCPs; it also demands genuine compassion, effective communication, and an all-encompassing perspective on patient needs. Implementing comprehensive palliative care in the ICU enables healthcare teams to meet the multifaceted needs of patients and their loved ones, fostering greater comfort, dignity, and a higher quality of life throughout the trajectory of serious illness. Such an integrated model improves outcomes and satisfaction for patients and families alike, while also empowering providers to offer more compassionate, individualized support. Hospitals in Indonesia are therefore encouraged to formulate specific policies to expand and strengthen palliative care delivery.
