Listening and Learning: Reflections on our First Fieldwork Trip in Fiji

We are thrilled to have begun data collection for our project on reimagining health system resilience in Fiji. Over the past three weeks, our team has travelled across the country, engaging with healthcare workers, community members, and other key health sector stakeholders to understand their experiences during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these conversations, we have gained deeper insights into the challenges faced by the health sector, as well as the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by individuals and communities.

Our research has focused on three key areas: the experiences of key health sector stakeholders, the experiences of communities, and the experiences of nurses.

Conversations with Stakeholders and Leaders

A core component of the overall research aim is exploring how health sector stakeholders experienced COVID-19 and how they would reimagine resilience in the face of future crises. We conducted talanoa sessions with a diverse group of professionals across Suva, Labasa, and Lautoka, including doctors, nurses, educators, laboratory technicians, and pharmacists. These discussions provided insight into how Fiji’s health system adapted to the COVID-19 crisis, revealing both systemic vulnerabilities and innovative responses that emerged from within the sector.

*Signs remaining on the entrance of what was the COVID-19 ward at Labasa Hospital*

Community Perspectives: A Case Study in Two Fijian Villages

Led by Associate Investigator Dr Akisi Ravono, this case study explored how community members experienced and responded to the pandemic. We visited two villages on Viti Levu – one near Rakiraki and another near Suva – where participants reflected on their challenges and coping mechanisms during the pandemic. Using a participatory approach, community members were divided into small groups to create visual posters representing their experiences. These were then presented by a group representative.

*Preparing for a community talanoa session*

The Role of Nurses Before, During, and After the Pandemic

Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Johanna Thomas-Maude led a case study on the evolving roles of nurses throughout the pandemic. Nurses played a crucial role on the frontlines, adapting to immense pressures while maintaining patient care. Through talanoa discussions in Suva, Labasa, and Lautoka, we heard first-hand accounts of their experiences – how their responsibilities shifted and how they supported one another. These conversations underscored the emotional toll of the crisis but also highlighted nurses’ dedication, adaptability, and resilience.

Setting up the room for one of our talanoa sessions

Insights from the Field

Though it has now been five years since the onset of the pandemic, our fieldwork has highlighted how the effects of COVID-19 continue to be deeply felt. Participants spoke not only of the practical and logistical challenges they faced but also of the lasting emotional strain. Many described moments of uncertainty and exhaustion but also pointed to the unwavering spirit of teamwork and solidarity that helped them overcome immense challenges.

A key theme that emerged from our discussions was the power of collective resilience – whether among healthcare professionals, within communities, or across different sectors of the health system. Despite the hardships, there was a strong sense of hope. Participants reflected on how they had supported one another, adapted to new ways of working, and found strength in collaboration.

Next Steps

This trip marks just the beginning of our data collection efforts and the beginning of a next stage of reflection and data analysis. Later this year, Primary Investigator Dr Sharon McLennan also plans to return to conduct key informant interviews, building on the insights we have gathered so far. Additionally, our PhD candidate Avendra Prakash is preparing to undertake his fieldwork next year, alongside a Masters student who will be recruited in the coming months.

We are grateful to all our research participants for their time, openness, and willingness to share their experiences. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to explore how the health sector and communities in Fiji can build resilience in the face of future challenges.