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Pediatricians' Communication about Medical Uncertainty: Goal-Oriented Communication and Uncertainty Management
Anna M Kerr1, Valerie Rubinsky2, Kayla Duty3
1Department of Primary Care, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University.
Health Communication
|December 13, 2021
Summary
Pediatricians manage medical uncertainty by prioritizing communication goals, balancing patient needs with their own professional identity. Understanding these goals is key to improving how uncertainty is discussed in pediatrics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Psychology in Medicine
Background:
- Medical uncertainty is common, yet physicians often experience anxiety and avoid discussing it.
- Pediatricians communicating uncertainty must manage their own and parents' emotional responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore pediatricians' communication strategies regarding medical uncertainty.
- To apply uncertainty management theory and multiple goals theory to this communication.
Main Methods:
- Conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 18 pediatricians.
- Analyzed communication patterns based on theoretical frameworks.
Main Results:
- Pediatricians prioritize task and relational goals with parents.
- Pediatricians prioritize task and identity goals with colleagues.
- Appraisal of uncertainty significantly influences goal-oriented communication.
Conclusions:
- Uncertainty management theory and multiple goals theory offer a robust framework for understanding pediatrician communication.
- This understanding is crucial for improving how medical uncertainty is addressed in pediatric practice.
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