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Pediatric clinician perspectives on communicating diagnostic uncertainty
Ashley N D Meyer1,2, Traber D Giardina1,2, Arushi Khanna1,2
1Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd, Suite 01Y, Houston, TX, USA.
Summary
Pediatric clinicians vary how they discuss diagnostic uncertainty with parents, influenced by parent factors and relationships. Improving communication strategies can enhance the diagnostic process.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare communication
- Diagnostic uncertainty management
Background:
- Diagnostic processes are often uncertain and prone to error.
- Effective communication of diagnostic uncertainty is crucial in pediatrics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine pediatric clinicians' perspectives on communicating diagnostic uncertainty to parents.
- To understand how diagnostic uncertainty is communicated in pediatric care.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews with pediatric clinicians.
- Content analysis of transcribed interviews.
- Purposive sampling at two academic medical institutions.
Main Results:
- Clinicians commonly experience diagnostic uncertainty and discuss it with colleagues.
- Communication of uncertainty to parents is adjusted based on parent characteristics and relationships.
- Content includes setting expectations, explaining the process, differentials, and reassurance.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric clinicians' communication of diagnostic uncertainty to parents is variable.
- Parent characteristics and relationships significantly influence communication.
- Optimizing communication strategies can improve the diagnostic process.
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