Autonomy of patients in emergency services in the border area: A phenomenology study

Abstract

The absence of hospitals is one of the problems that arise in health services in remote areas. To get further medical care, patients must be referred outside the island. The purpose of this study was to reveal the situation and experience of patients in emergency treatment in border and coastal areas in North Kalimantan. This study was designed with a qualitative method and a descriptive phenomenological approach was used. It involved 10 participants who lived on Sebatik island with the criteria of having experience with emergency cases and being referred out of the island. Data analysis was performed using a thematic analysis of Braun and Clarke (2006). Three themes emerged from this study: inappropriate emergency actions, patients’ choice of using the right to be referred, and assistance in challenging referrals. It was revealed that emergency management was not maximal due to the limitations of health workers and service facilities. Patients chose the right to be referred to as an effort to get better health services.