Well‐being and uncertainty in health care practice

Abstract

Summary Background Well‐being and uncertainty are intimately related, although less easily defined from a health care perspective. Uncertainty is intrinsic to both the science and practice of health care, and dealing with uncertainty can bring feelings of stress, avoidance and resistance, all of which are detrimental to an individual's well‐being. Context Contrary to the majority of the literature, which suggests promoting resilience as a way to improve health care professionals’ well‐being, our paper argues that a better understanding of the relationship between well‐being and uncertainty can support health care professionals in managing the complexity of everyday clinical interactions. Innovation Various strategies and educational exercises around being comfortable in not knowing, preserving uncertainty through effective communication and the use of reflective silence are discussed to support clinical educators in recognising the impact of uncertainty on individual well‐being. Implications Our paper calls for a broader understanding of the term well‐being, recognising the interplay between individual and environmental factors that contribute to maintaining our well‐being. The recommended strategies and exercises can be considered in faculty member development sessions and used to promote the incorporation of curriculum initiatives in this area.

“It hasn’t gone away after 30 years.” late-career Australian psychologists’ experience of uncertainty throughout their career.

“…Several participants identified a shift in their late career to a position where uncertainty is seen as a positive experience that allows for creativity and personal growth. This is reminiscent of previous studies which indicate that when uncertainty is viewed as positive, practitioners are more likely to respond to its presence with curiosity, excitement, and a growth mindset (George & Lowe, 2019;Gerber & Hoelson, 2011). Although the uncertainty literature is flooded with negative associations between uncertainty and its management (for a review, see Mather et al, 2020), previous researchers have made a similar distinction between tolerating and embracing uncertainty and have gone so far as to promote the concept of thriving in the space of uncertainty (Mercieca, 2009;Simpkin & Schwartzstein, 2016).…”

Medical education, simulation and uncertainty

“…12 The literature exploring 'uncertainty' in clinical practice suggests that it can provoke detrimental feelings of shame and anxiety. 14,15 Therefore, it is understandable that our students often interpreted uncertainty as a personal failure, even when they met faculty member expectations. Rather than avoiding situations that provoke uncertainty, recent work has encouraged clinicians to use these opportunities to reflect and develop coping strategies for the future.…”

How to say “I don’t know”: development and evaluation of workshops for medical students and surgical residents on communicating uncertainty using the ADAPT framework

“…Though levels of uncertainty guide virtually every medical decision, medical education has historically emphasized a black-and-white approach: classic clinical vignettes and multiple choice exams lead students to become used to the idea that there is a clear, correct answer for every problem [ 4 ]. Such paradigms encouraging the existence of certainty poorly prepare students for the reality of uncertainty they face upon engaging in patient care; this leads to student feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, and to a constant quest for unattainable perfection, which in turn leads to burnout [ 17 ].…”