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Updated: May 11, 2026
09:07
Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations
Published on: September 16, 2015
Uncertainty experienced by newly qualified doctors during the transition to internship
Molly Dineen1, Michelle D Lazarus2,3, Georgina C Stephens2
1Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Medical Education
|March 29, 2025
Summary
Newly qualified doctors face significant uncertainty during their transition to internship, primarily from new roles and tasks, not just clinical ambiguity. Support systems are crucial for managing this stress and fostering professional development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Professional Development
Background:
- Uncertainty Tolerance (UT) is crucial in medicine, with low UT linked to burnout.
- Newly qualified doctors experience high burnout rates during their transition to internship (TTI).
- Limited research exists on the specific uncertainties faced by doctors during the TTI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the sources of uncertainty experienced by doctors during their TTI.
- To identify how these doctors respond to uncertainty.
- To understand the factors that moderate these responses to inform support.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative cross-sectional study.
- 13 intern doctors from an Australian medical school participated.
- Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using framework analysis.
Main Results:
- Dominant uncertainties stemmed from novel tasks, responsibilities, and professional role ambiguity, not solely clinical issues.
- Doctors responded to uncertainty by seeking help from senior colleagues, experiencing stress.
- Support, time, and perceived stakes moderated responses to uncertainty.
Conclusions:
- Reduce extraneous uncertainties during TTI through orientation and clear role expectations.
- Facilitate regular feedback and create psychologically safe environments with senior support.
- Enable interns to explore clinical uncertainties and develop UT via critical reflection.
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