Exploring Community Health Center Nurses’ Readiness for Home-Based Palliative Care in Rural Areas: A Qualitative Study

PurposePatients with Life-Limiting Illnesses (LLI) require palliative care, yet access remains limited in rural areas. Community Health Center nurses play a key role in Home-Based Palliative Care (HBPC), but their readiness to provide such care remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore nurses' readiness to provide HBPC for patients with LLI in rural areas.MethodsA qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted from June to July 2026 through semi-structured interviews at four Community Health Centers in Indonesia. A total of 18 participants were purposively selected, comprising Community Health Center nurses with experience caring for patients with LLI. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes with 19 subthemes were identified in this study: (1) nurses' capacity readiness to provide HBPC, highlighting perceived competency gaps and the need for further training; (2) readiness of the service system and governance, reflecting the lack of specific regulations, structured programs, and adequate financial support; (3) resource and service access readiness in rural areas, highlighting limited nursing staff and heavy workloads; and (4) strengthening collaboration and family empowerment for continuity of care, emphasizing the roles of interprofessional coordination and family education in supporting care continuity.ConclusionsNurses expressed willingness to provide HBPC, although their readiness depended on adequate training, clear regulations, sufficient resources, and organizational support. These findings may inform the Banyumas Regency Health Office in strengthening local HBPC services. Further research across regions is needed to support broader policy development.