The relevance of clinical practice-related uncertainties : a narrative review

Abstract

Uncertainty plays a pivotal role in clinical decision-making, driven by factors such as incomplete knowledge, random variability, complexity, and ambiguity, thereby influence show clinicians reason, exercise judgment, and ultimately make decisions. This in turn may result in the formulation of risky or inappropriate treatment choices with potential adverse health outcomes. Beyond clinical outcomes, uncertainty also affects the psychological well-being of both clinicians and patients, while also impacting the operational efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems. The continuous presence of uncertainty in healthcare decision-making underscores its pervasive influence on the decisions made by clinicians and patients alike across various aspects of clinical practice. Addressing this challenge involves fostering open awareness and cultivating tolerance for uncertainties inherent in clinical settings. Additionally, implementing strategies aimed at mitigating the consequences of uncertainty can markedly enhance the quality of healthcare services. These strategies encompass improving clinicians' expertise in specific domains and enhancing their competence, alongside employing psychological techniques like metacognition and reflection. These approaches aim to bolster self-awareness, self-confidence, self-control, focused thinking, mental resilience, and adaptive task management among healthcare providers.