To what extent should doctors communicate diagnostic uncertainty with their patients? An empirical ethics vignette study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

Although diagnostic uncertainty is common, patient-focused research examining its communication is lacking. We aimed to determine patient preferences for the communication of diagnostic uncertainty, and examine the effects of such communication on patients.

Methods

We applied an empirical ethics approach, integrating the data collected with ethical analysis to form normative recommendations about diagnostic uncertainty communication. In this randomised crossover study, n=111 members of the public sequentially watched two video vignettes depicting either high or low communicated diagnostic uncertainty, in one of two clinical scenarios. After watching videos, participants completed online questionnaires. Primary outcome was preferred video (high vs low communic

SUBMITTER: Cox C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12573412 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature