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

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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.

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Acknowledgements

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

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, 44242-0001, Kent, OH, USA

    Nicolle Simonovic & Jennifer M. Taber

  2. Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Courtney L. Scherr

  3. Department of Communication, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Marleah Dean

  4. Health Outcomes and Behavior Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA

    Marleah Dean

  5. Department of Psychological Sciences; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA

    Jacqueline Hua & Jennifer L. Howell

  6. School of Computing and Informatics, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA, USA

    Beenish M. Chaudhry

  7. Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Lewisburg, PA, USA

    Karen E. Wain

  8. Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Mary C. Politi

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  1. Nicolle Simonovic
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Simonovic, N., Taber, J.M., Scherr, C.L. et al. Uncertainty in healthcare and health decision making: Five methodological and conceptual research recommendations from an interdisciplinary team. J Behav Med 46, 541–555 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-022-00384-5

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