Communicating uncertainty: a narrative review and framework for future research.

Arabella L. Simpkin; Katrina A. Armstrong

Review

Communicating uncertainty: a narrative review and framework for future research.

September 4, 2019

Simpkin AL, Armstrong KA. J Gen Intern Med. 2019;34(11):2586-2591.

View more articles from the same authors.

Uncertainty in care delivery is rarely discussed among clinicians or as a part of the shared decision-making process. This review examines factors that contribute to this communication gap. The authors recommend assessing patient communication preferences, tactics to discuss risk and ambiguity, emotional support models, and explaining contingency plans as strategies for effective discussions when uncertainty is present in care decisions.

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