Communicating uncertainties when disclosing diagnostic test results for (Alzheimer's) dementia in the memory clinic: The ABIDE project.
Leonie N C VisserSophie A R PeltMarleen KunnemanFemke H BouwmanJules J ClausKees J KalisvaartLiesbeth HempeniusMarlijn H de BeerGerwin RoksLeo BoelaartsMariska KleijerWiesje M van der FlierEllen M A SmetsMarij A HillenPublished in: Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy (2019)
The majority of clinicians openly discussed the limits of scientific knowledge and diagnostic testing with patients and caregivers in the dementia context. Noticeably, clinicians did not discuss uncertainty in about one quarter of consultations. More evidence is needed on the beneficial and/or harmful effects on patients of discussing uncertainty with them. This knowledge can be used to support clinicians to optimally convey uncertainty and facilitate patients' uncertainty management.