Uncertainty in healthcare and health decision making: Five methodological and conceptual research recommendations from an interdisciplinary team

Nicolle Simonovic, Jennifer M. Taber*, Courtney L. Scherr, Marleah Dean, Jacqueline Hua, Jennifer L. Howell, Beenish M. Chaudhry, Karen E. Wain, Mary C. Politi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Uncertainty is prevalent in various health contexts. It is imperative to understand how health-related uncertainty can impact individuals’ healthcare experiences and health decision making. The purpose of the present paper is to provide five overarching recommendations from an interdisciplinary team of experts to address gaps in the literature on health-related uncertainty. We present a case study of health-related uncertainty within the specific context of alcohol use to demonstrate these gaps and provide context for the recommendations. The five recommendations concerning health-related uncertainty include: (1) use common, consistent terminology to discuss uncertainty, (2) clarify measures of individual differences in response to uncertainty, (3) increase research on uncertainty and affect, (4) investigate the impact of the channel through which uncertainty is communicated, and (5) develop theory-driven interventions to improve uncertainty management. We conclude by reviewing health contexts in which health-related uncertainty exists and note how our recommendations complement existing reviews and data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)541-555
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume46
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2023

Funding

This collaborative, interdisciplinary team was formed through affiliation with the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Health Decision Making Special Interest Group.

Keywords

  • Ambiguity
  • Communication
  • Health decision making
  • Healthcare
  • Uncertainty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • General Psychology

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