How and why do doctors communicate diagnostic uncertainty: An experimental vignette study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diagnostic uncertainty is common, but its communication to patients is under-explored. This study aimed to (1) characterise variation in doctors' communication of diagnostic uncertainty and (2) explore why variation occurred.

Methods

Four written vignettes of clinical scenarios involving diagnostic uncertainty were developed. Doctors were recruited from five hospitals until theoretical saturation was reached (n = 36). Participants read vignettes in a randomised order, and were asked to discuss the diagnosis/plan with an online interviewer, as they would with a 'typical patient'. Semi-structured interviews explored reasons for communication choices. Interview transcripts were coded; quantitative and qualitative (thematic) analyses were undertaken.

Results

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SUBMITTER: Cox C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10774830 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature