We have located links that may give you full text access.
Journal Article
Review
Systematic Review
Patient response to physician expressions of uncertainty: a systematic review.
Irish Journal of Medical Science 2017 November
BACKGROUND: The consequences of uncertainty are extensive with the potential to influence a multitude of issues such as patient expectations, diagnosis, treatment decisions, patient confidence and satisfaction and ultimately patient compliance.
AIMS: To review the relevant literature pertaining to physician expressions of uncertainty and its effects on patients.
METHODS: A search was conducted in July 2016 of electronic databases; PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE and Embase. Key search terms included uncertainty, physician uncertainty, patient attitude, patient confidence and patient satisfaction. Other sources were obtained from reference lists. The eligibility of studies and data extracted were cross-checked with inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS: The search yielded 14 studies and 4 were included for review. These studies yielded mixed results. In some studies patients preferred disclosure of uncertainty while in others such disclosure was negatively associated with patient confidence and satisfaction. This is at odds with the belief of theorists that uncertainty disclosure to patients is the crux of a successful doctor-patient relationship. The studies were, however, united in so far as the way in which the uncertainty was communicated to the patient was pivotal to patient responses to uncertainty.
CONCLUSIONS: Uncertainty is a ubiquitous feature of medicine and more research should examine how physician's expressions of uncertainty affect patients.
AIMS: To review the relevant literature pertaining to physician expressions of uncertainty and its effects on patients.
METHODS: A search was conducted in July 2016 of electronic databases; PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE and Embase. Key search terms included uncertainty, physician uncertainty, patient attitude, patient confidence and patient satisfaction. Other sources were obtained from reference lists. The eligibility of studies and data extracted were cross-checked with inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS: The search yielded 14 studies and 4 were included for review. These studies yielded mixed results. In some studies patients preferred disclosure of uncertainty while in others such disclosure was negatively associated with patient confidence and satisfaction. This is at odds with the belief of theorists that uncertainty disclosure to patients is the crux of a successful doctor-patient relationship. The studies were, however, united in so far as the way in which the uncertainty was communicated to the patient was pivotal to patient responses to uncertainty.
CONCLUSIONS: Uncertainty is a ubiquitous feature of medicine and more research should examine how physician's expressions of uncertainty affect patients.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app