Coping with uncertainty in clinical practice: a narrative review.

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Uncertainty is inherent in clinical practice, influencing clinician decisions.
• Sources of uncertainty include knowledge gaps, interpersonal dynamics, and complex cases.
• Individual and contextual factors influence the experience and tolerance of uncertainty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of uncertainty in clinical practice.
• To identify the origins and impact of clinical uncertainty.
• To review strategies for managing and communicating uncertainty.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on clinical uncertainty.
• Analysis of sources and manifestations of uncertainty.
• Synthesis of management and communication strategies.

Main Results:

• Uncertainty arises from multiple sources, affecting clinicians and patients.
• Individual differences in tolerance for uncertainty exist.
• Effective strategies can mitigate, but not eliminate, uncertainty.

Conclusions:

• Managing clinical uncertainty is crucial for patient care and clinician well-being.
• Sharing uncertainty appropriately enhances the clinician-patient relationship.
• Further research into adaptive uncertainty management is warranted.