Uncertainty in illness. An integrative review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Illness experiences are often characterized by significant uncertainty.
• Understanding patient and family responses to uncertainty is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative review of the concept of uncertainty in the illness experience.
• To describe the established theory of uncertainty in illness.
• To emphasize the clinical importance of evaluating how individuals and families appraise uncertainty during illness.

Main Methods:

• Integrative literature review methodology.
• Synthesis of existing research on illness uncertainty.
• Theoretical framework analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified key themes and patterns in the experience of illness uncertainty.
• Provided a comprehensive overview of the uncertainty in illness theory.
• Established the significance of appraisal in managing illness-related uncertainty.

Conclusions:

• Uncertainty is a pervasive aspect of the illness experience.
• The uncertainty in illness theory offers a valuable framework for understanding patient and family responses.
• Assessing the appraisal of uncertainty is essential for supportive interventions and improved outcomes.