Lived Experiences of Community Clients on Holistic Care: Advancing Health Equity Through Comprehensive Healthcare Approaches

This study explored the lived experiences of community clients receiving holistic care and how these experiences shape their perceptions of health equity within a community healthcare setting. Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design, the research focused on thirty (30) middle-aged adults aged 40 to 65 years residing in Barangay Roxas, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and had received holistic care services within the past 6 to 12 months. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method, supported by NVivo software. Findings revealed that participants described holistic care as an approach that addressed their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, fostering a sense of support, comfort, and trust toward healthcare providers. Participants emphasized the importance of compassionate communication, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive service delivery in shaping positive healthcare experiences. Moreover, perceptions of fairness, dignity, and respect in care significantly influenced their sense of well-being and confidence in accessing community health services. The study highlights that holistic, person-centered care plays a crucial role in promoting health equity by ensuring that healthcare services are responsive, inclusive, and respectful of individual needs. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, community health programs, and policymakers in strengthening equitable and comprehensive healthcare delivery.